Do Bumble Bees Sting?

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Do Bumble Bees Sting?

Yes, however, only female bumble bees, workers and queens, have the ability to sting. Male bumble bees do not have a stinger. Bumble bees are not aggressive insects and will only sting when they feel threatened or when their hive is disturbed. 

Unlike the sting from a honey bee, bumble bee stings do not have barbs. Therefore, a bumble bee can pull back its stinger while keeping it intact which means that bumble bees have the ability to sting the same victim several times. 

What Happens When A Bumble Bee Stings?

A bumble bee sting is often thought to be less painful than the sting from a wasp or a honey bee. When a bumble bee stings, it injects venom into its victim. This is why some people may have an allergic reaction to the bumble bee sting. Others may only experience local swelling, painful redness and itching at the sting site. Unlike honey bees, bumble bees typically don’t inject as much venom into the victim because they do not leave behind a venom sac.

How To Avoid A Bumble Bee Sting

In truth, bumble bees rarely sting. You can greatly reduce the possibility of getting stung by a bumble bee by avoiding provoking bumble bees or any other activity which might make them aggressive. 

Bumble bees can react to many different kinds of stimulai that are not meant as outward acts of aggression. Smells such as alcohol, perspiration, perfumes, scented soaps and lotions can cause bumble bees to become aggressive. The scent of oxidized material between the skin and certain kinds of material present in some jewelry like rings, bracelets and watches may also cause aggressive behavior in bumble bees. 

They are also known to be attracted to the color blue which may draw them to anyone wearing blue. Remember to remain calm around bumble bees at all times, which will help reduce your chances of getting stung.

Help With Bumble Bees In Your Home

If you are concerned about bumble bees in your home, please give us a call or fill out the form on this page. PestControlExperts.com is a team of experts who are highly qualified to provide the best recommendations for you and your home, no matter which part of the United States you live in.