Honey Bees in Cleveland
Honey bees are active pollinators known for their ability to produce honey. The European honey bee and the Africanized honey bee are the two main types of bees in the nation. They can be found all over the U.S. and pollinate more than 100 types of crops. Colonies can survive for many years and will swarm when the colony has outgrown the hive. The queen honey bee is slightly larger than the male honey bee (also referred to as drones).
Honey Bee Habitat
The most common place to find a honey bee is in a tree crevice, but they will occasionally build nests in chimneys or attics. Honey bees are seen most frequently in the late spring and summer when the new queens will build nests in tree hollows or crevices. The queen, along with thousands of workers, can be seen swarming in a large group in search of a new nesting location. It can take around 24 hours for a swarm to find a new nesting site. Most swarms are not violent, but there are certain species, such as the Africanized honey bee, that may attack unprovoked.
Honey Bee Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Honey bees can sting, but can only do so one time. The honey bee stinger has barbs, so it will remain in the skin until it is physically removed. Only the female worker bees can sting and will not likely do so when foraging for pollen and nectar. These stings usually take place when they are provoked or accidentally crushed. To remove the barbed stinger, prompt action is key. Removing the stinger as quickly as possible can mitigate the pain and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that a small percentage of people experience. The stinger can be removed by grasping with fingers, using tweezers, or scraping it from the skin. If a honey bee nest is suspected on your property, it is always best to contact a professional bee removal company.
