Bees are one of the most useful insects that help ecosystems thrive. Despite this key role in the environment, bees are unfortunately given a bad rap and seen with fear. To help clear some of the blurry details, people need to know some of the common misconceptions about bees that people have.
“Bees Don’t Sting at Night”
When it comes to protecting yourself from bees, some people believe that they are safer from bees at night. This is a popular belief in places like Uganda, where beekeepers collect honey without any protective gear. Despite this theory, it is more likely that the keeper’s methods do not cause the bees to perceive the task as a threat. The reality is that bees are just as likely to sting at night as they are during the day if they are threatened.
“You Can Get Stung Multiple Times”
Honeybees are not capable of stinging more than once. This characteristic is usually confused with that of the common wasp. A bee cannot sting more than once because the stinger is a modified type of egg-laying device. Because of its original purpose, once the stinger has been inserted in the target, the removal is fatal and normally incapacitates the bee for good.
“Wasps Are the Same as Bees”
Though they look similar and are in the same order, wasps are a different species of insects and sometimes prey on bees and their hives. Wasps do not commonly make honey as bees do, but some species are known to do so. Wasps are predators for the most part and are good for pest control. However, aside from this feature, they are still pollinators like bees are.
“Bees Are Aggressive”
One of the biggest misconceptions about bees is that they are aggressive and are seen as an immediate threat. Bees are generally fairly docile if they or their hive are not threatened. So, the next time you are on a picnic and spot a bee near you, leaving it to its own devices is the best way to ensure it is able to continue its job without worrying about it harming you. The main priority for bees is to collect nectar and bring it back to the hive, and stinging is a last resort that leads to their death.
Bees are an important pollinator for many everyday foods you enjoy in your meals. Unless they create a hive too close to where you live, it is best to leave them alone as they are currently declining and remain a crucial part of a healthy ecosystem. By understanding these common misconceptions about bees that people have, you are hopefully better able to see where they are coming from without the fear that many experience.
