Honey Bees

Honey bees are one of the best known, most recognized and beneficial of all insects. Approximately one third of all food Americans eat is directly or indirectly related to honey bee pollination.

Pest Description:

• Color: Golden-yellow with brown bands
• Legs: 6
• Shape: Oval; bee shaped
• Size: 1/2 - 5/8"
• Antennae: Yes
• Region: All
• Habits: Honey bees are social insects living in colonies numbering into the thousands. Some members of the colony collect and store food for the future, others work to maintain temperature control while others sting to protect the colony from intruders.
• Habitat: Researchers believe that the original habitat of the honey bee are tropical climates and densely forested areas. Honey bees can thrive in natural or domesticated environments, but they seem to prefer gardens, orchards, meadows and areas where flowery plants are abundant.
• Threats: Honey bees will inflict a painful sting if provoked or if their nest is threatened.