What Do Honey Bees Look Like?
Honey bees are golden brown with alternating dark-to-light bands across their abdomens and are covered in fine hairs, though not as densely as bumble bees. Worker honey bees typically measure between ½ and ⅝ inch in length and have stout bodies with slightly tapered waists and translucent wings. A key identifying feature is the presence of pollen baskets, known as corbiculae, on their hind legs, which they use to collect and transport pollen—making them highly efficient and essential pollinators.
Have a Bee Problem?
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Where Do Honey Bees Nest?
Honey bees build nests in hollow trees, wall cavities, attics, logs, chimneys, under eaves, and other sheltered areas. They form their nests using wax secreted from the abdominal glands of worker honey bees. Yards with ample shade, gardens, flowers, and water sources may increase the likelihood of attracting bees. Honey bees are social insects living in colonies consisting of 20,000 and 80,000 bees with one queen bee.
Do Honey Bees Sting?
Yes, honey bees can sting, but they are generally not aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened. Honey bee stings are usually less severe than wasp or hornet stings, but they can still be painful and cause irritation. Honey bees are the only bee species to possess barbed stingers and die after stinging.
Beehive Removal in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Honey bees are a protected species in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection regulates honey bees, considering them as livestock in the state. The DATCP has important guidelines regarding beekeeping and honey bee hives.
It’s generally best to leave honey bee hives alone because they are crucial pollinators. However, if you need to remove a beehive for safety reasons, contact the local bee experts at Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control for assistance. We work with local certified beekeepers who provide safe and humane honey bee hive removal and relocation services in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.