Can Honey Bees Sting?

Explained by a Beekeeper

Honey bees are fascinating insects that play an important role in pollinating plants and producing honey. However, many people are afraid of being stung by them, and wonder if honey bees are capable of stinging. The answer is yes - honey bees do have stings and they will use them to defend their hive if they feel threatened.

The sting of a honey bee can be painful, and can cause swelling and redness at the site of the sting. This is because a bee's sting is barbed, meaning it gets stuck in your skin and will continue to release venom even after the bee has flown away. However, not all honey bees are aggressive such as the ones we try to breed at The Snowdonia Honey Co. and they will only sting if they feel that their hive is in danger. Worker bees, which is another name for? female bees, are the ones that typically sting while the queen bee (who does have a sting but prefers not to use it on humans only other queen bees!) and the male bees called drones do not have stingers.

It's important to note that honey bees are not the only bee species that can sting. Bumble bees, wasps, and hornets are also capable of stinging, and their stings can be just as painful as those of honey bees. If you are stung by a bee, it's important to remove the sting as quickly as possible and wash the affected area with soap and water. If you experience an allergic reaction or have difficulty breathing (through an anaphylactic shock), please seek medical attention immediately.

Understanding the Sting Mechanism

When a honey bee stings you, it injects venom through its sting. The sting is a modified ovipositor, which means it's an organ that female bees use to lay eggs. The stinger has a barbed tip that allows it to penetrate the skin and injects venom into the wound. The venom itself is a complex mixture of proteins and other molecules that can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms. The amount of venom injected can vary depending on the size of the bee and how long you allow the sting to remain in your skin.

On stinging, the barbed sting becomes embedded  and the bee will try and fly away but the sting and it's venom sac remain behind. This is why it's crucially important to remove the stinger as soon as possible to limit the amount of venom injected.

To remove the sting, gently scrape across it with a flat object, such as a credit card or fingernail. Do not be tempted to use tweezers as these can squeeze even more venom into the wound.

Honey bees can only sting you once and die as a result of it. This is because the barbed sting and venom sac are ripped out of the bee's body when it stings. In contrast, Bumblebees, Hornets and Wasps have smooth stings so can sting you multiple times.

Reactions to Bee Stings

Most people will experience a mild reaction to a bee sting, which includes pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site. These symptoms usually go away within a few hours or a day. To relieve the pain if it becomes uncomfortable, you can apply a cold compress or take over-the-counter pain medication such as antihistamines.

However, some people may have an allergic reaction to bee stings. An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system overreacts to the venom. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, itching, and swelling in other parts of the body, such as the lips, tongue, and throat. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur which is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency treatment such as an EpiPen.

If you are allergic to bees, it's important to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (or EpiPen with you at all times. I'm EpiPen can quickly deliver a dose of adrenaline to counteract the allergic reaction. 

It's important to note that not everyone who is stung by a bee will have an allergic reaction. However, if you have had an allergic reaction to a bee sting in the past, you are more likely to have a similar reaction in the future and should be very cautious working with or being near Honey Bees.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Q: Can honey bees sting?

A: Yes, honey bees can sting.

Q: What is honey bee venom?

A: Honey bee venom is a toxic substance produced by honey bees that is used as a defense mechanism.

Q: Are honeybees the only bee species that can sting?

A: No, other bee species can also sting, but honey bees are the most well-known for their stinging behaviour.

Q: What are the symptoms and causes of a honey bee sting?

A: The symptoms of a honey bee sting can vary from person to person, but commonly include pain, swelling, redness, and itching at the sting site. In some cases, a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur. The sting itself is caused by the honey bee inserting its stinger into the skin and injecting venom.

Q: What happens to a bee after it stings?

A: When a honey bee stings a person or an animal, its stinger becomes lodged in the skin, causing the bee to die. Other bee species, such as the Africanized bee, also die after stinging once.

Q: Should I seek immediate medical attention after a bee sting?

A: If you are experiencing severe symptoms or have a known allergy to bee stings, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Otherwise, most mild to moderate reactions to a honey bee sting can be managed at home.

Q: Can someone be allergic to bee stings?

A: Yes, some individuals can develop an allergic reaction to bee stings. This is known as a bee sting allergy.

Q: What are the symptoms of a bee sting allergy?

A: The symptoms of a bee sting allergy can vary, but may include severe swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, hives, and nausea. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock can occur, which is a life-threatening condition.

Q: What is the toxic effects of bee venom?

A: Bee venom contains various components that can have toxic effects on the body. The venom can cause local pain, redness, and swelling at the sting site, as well as systemic allergic reactions in some individuals.

Q: Are bee stings dangerous?

A: Bee stings can be dangerous, especially for individuals who are allergic or who experience multiple stings. While most people will only experience mild to moderate symptoms, some individuals can have severe reactions that require medical attention.