Color: Predominantly golden-yellow with brown bands
Legs: 6
Shape: Oval; bee shape
Size: 1/2"
Antennae: True
Honey bees are social insects found all over the world. They are an extremely beneficial insect because of their role in pollination. Honey bees pollinate more than 100 crops in the U.S.
Honey bees are active pollinators, and produce honey which feeds their young in colder months. The honeybee is the only social insect whose colony can survive many years.
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. People allergic to insect stings will have a more severe reaction.
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.
Honey bees should be addressed by a professional. Removal of a honeybee nest and the honey product can be very messy. Because honeybee colonies are so large, only a pest control professional or experienced beekeeper can safely remove a honeybee nest.
Honey bees make honey to feed their colony. They turn nectar from flowers into honey by drying out its moisture and storing it in wax cells. Honey is their main energy source, especially in winter when they cannot go out to find food.
Honey bees eat nectar and pollen from flowers. Nectar gives them energy, while pollen provides the protein and nutrients they need to raise young bees.
Honey bees do not hibernate like many other insects. They stay together in the hive to keep warm and live off the honey they stored during the warmer months until spring comes.