Answers to Your Most Unusual Bee Questions

If you are interested in bees, you probably want to know everything you can about the species. Naturally, some unusual bee questions will come to mind, such as “do bees still forage when it’s raining” or “do bees hear like humans do?”

There is always something new and fascinating to learn about honey bees. A great resource for honey bee education is the D-Tek Live Bee Removal bee blog. We cover lots of different topics and give great advice on what to do when you are facing a bee hive or swarm on your property.

In this article, we are going to tackle some of your most unusual bee questions. So, let’s dive in!

Do bees still forage in the rain?

While it may seem like a large raindrop could do some damage to a tiny honey bee, the reality is that bees will still forage in the rain. After all, the hive still needs to work in order to sustain the colony. 

Studies have shown that certain weather conditions can change the behavior of a honey bee. Research suggests that bees may sense an impending change in weather, such as a thunderstorm. This will trigger a change in their foraging schedule, perhaps encouraging them to forage longer in advance of a storm.

Can bees get so busy that they die from exhaustion?

Most worker bees are built to do the jobs that are required to sustain the colony. During the off season, a worker bee may live for about six months. However, in the busy season, their lifespan is much shorter. Worker bees use all of their energy for foraging, cleaning, nursing and all of the other roles that they hold within the hive. Some worker bees during the busy season will live for only about six weeks.

Do all bees sting?

For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of a bee is a bee sting. While it is true that many species of bees are capable of stinging, there are more that are incapable of stinging. 

When it comes to honey bees, only the female worker bees are able to sting. While the queen has the ability, she rarely has the need to sting. Male drones are unable to sting. In many parts of the world, there are species of bees that produce honey like a honey bee, yet they are unable to sting.

Do bees hear like humans do?

Honey bees can communicate about their environment in some fascinating ways. While they can’t hear in the same way that humans do, they can sense vibrations that will change behavior and initiate communication among the hive. The waggle dance that bees use to communicate sends vibrations that other bees can detect and act on. 

Do bees drink water?

Just like us, honey bees need water to live. Not only do they drink it, but they use it to perform a very important function in the hive: air cooling. Honey bees fan small pools of water which causes evaporation. The evaporation process works to cool the hive.

Should you relocate a bee’s nest?

While it is possible to move a bee’s nest, it is not recommended for several reasons. For one, moving a honey bee nest is very dangerous and difficult work. Without the proper knowledge and tools, you run the risk of sustaining multiple bee stings or causing harm to the bees themselves. 

Secondly, unless the bee hive poses a danger to humans or is causing damage to your home or office, it is best to leave the hive alone. Again, harm could come to the bees and to the humans who try to remove them.

Do all bees get along?

While most bees are generally docile creatures, there are situations in which a honey bee may attack another bee. One behavior you don’t hear about much is robbing, in which a bee will attempt to steal nectar from another hive. Usually, this doesn’t end well. Bees will defend their hives when threatened. 

If you have more questions about honey bees or have a concern about a honey bee hive or swarm that has taken up on your property, contact the San Diego live bee removal experts at D-Tek Live Bee Removal today.