Honey
Bees
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Scientific Name: Apis mellifera Linnaeus
Color: Predominantly golden-yellow with brown bands
Legs: Six
Shape: Oval; bee shape
Size: 1/2-5/8"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes
Honey bees are social insects found all over the world. They are
an extremely important beneficial insect because of their role in
pollination. Honey bees pollinate more than 100 crops in the U.S.
Honeybees can be found in All 50 States.
Habits
Honey bees are active pollinators, and produce honey which feeds
their young in colder months. The honey bee is the only social insect
whose colony can survive many years.
Habitat
Honey bees produce honey from pollen and nectar of the plants they
pollinate. They store the honey in honeycombs in their nests. They
often build their nests in tree crevices, but will occasionally
build nests in attics or chimneys. A mature colony may contain 20,000-80,000
individuals.
Threats
Honey bees are not aggressive. Honey bees do sting, but they only
sting once. The sting can be extremely painful if the stinger is
not immediately removed from the sting. Persons allergic to insect
stings will have a more severe reaction.
Control
Honey bees should be addressed by a professional. Removal of a honey
bee nest and the honey product can be very messy. Because honey
bee colonies are so large, only a pest control professional or experienced
beekeeper can safely remove a honey bee nest.
(Source: National Pest Management Association, et. al.)
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