Is Beekeeping Dangerous? Risks, Rewards and Some Good Advice

Last Updated on August 19, 2024 by Anthony

Beekeeping carries minimal risk if done with proper safety gear and precautions. While bee stings can occur, they’re generally manageable except for those with severe allergies. Training and responsible hive management significantly reduce dangers.

The human species has a natural aversion to bees. We know that many species of bees, wasps, and hornets can and do sting, so that makes us wary of them. That is not a bad thing. The threat of being stung is one of the ways nature keeps humans and bees separated for the most part. The question is how that natural separation translates into beekeeping.

Is beekeeping dangerous? That’s a question that arises out of this natural separation and fear. Interestingly enough, there seems to be a general assumption among most people that it is. We cannot really say for sure why, but perhaps people just assume danger because of Hollywood films and TV shows that have portrayed bees as crazed killers just flying around looking for human flesh. Well, let’s set the record straight once and for all in terms of if beekeeping is dangerous.

As a general rule, most species of bees are docile and primarily defensive in the use of their stingers. The one exception is the Africanized honey bee, and that’s only because it is a hybrid honey bee created by scientific experimentation rather than nature.

Outside of the Africanized species, honey bees are generally docile. As such, beekeeping in generally safe.

The European Honey Bee

Beekeeping is not necessarily limited to a single species. Still, the vast majority of beekeepers specialize in the European honey bee. This particular bee is the one kept by the majority of the world’s beekeepers. The good news is that the European honey bee is rarely aggressive.

As long as beekeepers understand the nature and characteristics of European honey bees, there is very little danger. European honey bees are not looking to get into a fight with human beekeepers or any other creatures. They will if they feel threatened, but they remain fairly docile otherwise.

So what are the things that can trigger aggression in European honey bees? There are a few things:

• Enemy Threats – Bees, wasps, and hornets are lazy creatures that would rather take over another hive if it meant not having to build their own. As such, they are natural enemies. Honey bees will get aggressive if they perceive any kind of enemy threat. For example, a wasp buzzing around a nest could trigger an all-out attack by the colony.
• Vibrations – Honey bees are easily stressed by nature. One of the things that stresses them most is excessive vibration. It could be their sensitivity to vibration is that which alerts them to potential attacks by wasps and hornets. At any rate, beekeepers know enough to move slowly and gently when they are working with their hives.
• Swarming – Honey bees swarm only when they are preparing to find a location for a new nest. Swarming is not naturally a defensive or aggressive mechanism. However, bees are on high alert during a swarm. So if they feel threatened at that time, they may become rather aggressive.
• Lack of a Queen – Every hive needs a queen to survive. If a queen dies or goes missing and there is no new queen to take her place, worker bees in a hive will become aggressive. That’s when beekeepers have to be especially on their toes.
• Entrance Activity – The one place bees are especially protective is around the entrance to the hive. They do not like anyone or anything getting too close to that entrance. That’s why there are always at least a few bees buzzing around. They are the sentries. Smart beekeepers know to approach a hive from the side rather than the front or rear.
• Stinging – Finally, a single bee stinging a perceived enemy sends out chemical distress signal that calls other bees to help. So all it takes is one bee feeling threatened enough to sting to cause a bunch more to come to its aid.

Although I have listed six things that can make honey bees aggressive, do not assume they are quick to attack. They are not. It takes quite a bit of stress to get a colony of European honey bees excited. Experienced beekeepers know this, so they adapt their beekeeping practices appropriately.

Aggression Against Other Bees

Even though beekeeping is generally not dangerous in and of itself, there are times when a bee colony can be dangerous to other colonies. This is especially true from late summer through the autumn. This is the time of year when food supplies are running low and colonies are preparing for a long winter. This causes them to be a bit aggressive in the fight for food.

As previously stated, bees do not have a problem attacking another colony and taking over its nest. If that’s the easiest way to procure food for the winter, so be it. This is one of the reasons you might observe more aggressive behavior in bees come late summer.

Beekeepers generally don’t have problems among their own hives because they are actively working to make sure all the bees have adequate food. But it is not unheard of for colonies in the wild to come looking for food among domesticated hives. So beekeepers have to be on the lookout for foreign invaders. The best defense against such invaders is to maintain a healthy and thriving colony strong enough to defend itself.

The downside to this kind of behavior for beekeepers is getting caught in the middle of a neighborhood brawl, so to speak. If one of a beekeeper’s hives is on alert due to the threat of foreign invaders, just walking through the general vicinity of that hive could create further problems.

Tips for Keeping Your Bees Calm

The secret to minimizing whatever danger does exist in beekeeping is to keep your bees calm at all times. But it’s not like you can speak sweet words to them or give them hugs to make them feel validated and accepted. In other words, the strategies we use to calm our fellow human beings do not work on bees.

So what do you do? Here are a few tips for keeping bees calm:

• Limit Your Time – You have to spend at least some time maintaining your hives and collecting honey. You have to go out and check on the queens every now and again. Regardless of the work you’re doing, it’s important to keep your time interacting with the bees to a minimum. Only open the hives when you have to. And when they are open, finish up and close them again as quickly as you can.
• Control Movement – Remember that bees are especially susceptible to vibration. So when working around hives, move slowly and deliberately. Controlled movement will keep the bee’s excitement level to a minimum. On the other hand, jerky and uncontrolled movements will only stress them.
• Keep Them Fed – About the middle of summer it is helpful to check on the amount of honey in your hives. If it is lower than it should be, that is a sign that your bees are having trouble finding food. You can help out by supplying external food. One example is a sugar water left in a tray just outside the hive.
• Keep Kids Away – A lot of beekeepers find it helpful to keep their kids away from the hives. Teach the little ones to steer clear so that their running around and other high-energy activities do not excite the bees. To that end, you will find your bees are a lot calmer if you locate your hives away from the house.
• Split Your Hives – Hive-splitting is a way to increase the total volume of bees you keep. But guess what? It’s also a way to keep your bees calm. If you have a hive that looks like it is outgrowing its space, there’s a good chance it will swarm in the spring. Proactively splitting that hive before it swarms mitigates the need to swarm altogether.

Below is a detailed table outlining tips for keeping your bees calm, especially in the context of ensuring beekeeping safety. This will help minimize the risk of stings and create a more controlled environment for both the beekeeper and the bees.

Tip	Description	Safety Context
Choose the Right Time to Inspect	Inspect the hive during warm, sunny days when most bees are out foraging. Avoid inspecting during rainy or overcast weather, early mornings, or late evenings.	Reduces the number of bees present, lowering the risk of agitation.
Use Smoke Sparingly and Effectively	Gently puff smoke at the entrance and over the top of the frames before opening the hive. Smoke masks alarm pheromones and distracts bees.	Prevents the bees from becoming aggressive or defensive.
Wear Protective Clothing	Always wear a bee suit, gloves, and a veil. Ensure all openings are sealed. Light-colored and smooth fabrics are less likely to provoke bees.	Minimizes sting risks and boosts confidence during inspections.
Move Slowly and Deliberately	Sudden movements can startle bees. Open the hive gently, avoid quick hand gestures, and move slowly when handling frames.	Helps maintain a calm atmosphere, reducing the chance of stings.
Avoid Strong Odors	Bees are sensitive to strong smells, such as perfumes, alcohol, or sweat. Refrain from using scented products before working with bees.	Prevents provoking the bees, which can lead to aggression.
Keep Calm and Stay Confident	Bees can sense fear and agitation. Remain calm, breathe steadily, and maintain a confident demeanor during hive inspections.	Reduces the likelihood of bees becoming defensive or aggressive.
Inspect Hives Regularly	Regular inspections help you understand the hive’s condition, which can prevent surprise disturbances.	Helps you identify and address issues before they lead to aggression.
Avoid Crushing Bees	Take care not to crush bees when handling frames or replacing the hive cover. The release of alarm pheromones from crushed bees can trigger aggression.	Prevents the hive from becoming defensive due to alarm pheromones.
Minimize Hive Disturbance	Avoid unnecessary disruptions, such as opening the hive too often or for extended periods.	Less disturbance keeps the bees calm, reducing the chance of stings.
Maintain a Clean Environment	Keep the apiary tidy and free of potential threats, like pests or predators. This reduces stress on the colony.	A less stressed colony is less likely to become defensive.
Work With Calm Bee Breeds	Some bee species are naturally more docile, like Italian or Carniolan bees. Selecting calmer breeds can significantly reduce risks.	Easier to manage and less likely to become aggressive.
Close the Hive Gently	When finishing your inspection, replace the frames and cover gently. Avoid loud noises or sudden impacts that could startle the bees.	Ensures that bees return to a calm state quickly after inspections.
Position Hives Correctly	Place hives in a quiet, sheltered location away from foot traffic or noisy machinery. Proper positioning reduces stress on the bees.	Lowers the likelihood of bees becoming defensive due to external stressors.

If you follow these tips, you can help keep your bees calm, and make beekeeping a safer and more enjoyable activity. This approach is crucial to reducing the inherent risks in beekeeping, especially for those new to the practice.

Is Beekeeping Dangerous – Conclusion

At the end of the day, beekeeping is generally safe. There is always some level of danger whenever you deal with nature’s creatures, but the sort of danger associated with honey bees is disproportionate to reality. Most beekeepers go their entire careers without ever experiencing a significant event.

As long as you respect the nature of bees and make an effort to keep them calm, you shouldn’t have any problems. Do not believe the sensationalized movies and TV shows that portray bees as a hazard to your health. They really aren’t. Bees are actually quite gentle most of the time.

Beekeeping Disclaimer:

Beekeeping, like any agricultural activity, involves inherent risks. It is important to understand these risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.

Potential risks associated with beekeeping include:

1. Bee stings: Honey bees are generally not aggressive but can become defensive if they feel threatened or their hive is disturbed. Bee stings can cause allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis in some individuals, which can be life-threatening. It is important to wear protective clothing and follow best practices when handling bees to minimize the risk of stings.
2. Diseases and pests: Bees can be vulnerable to various diseases and pests, including mites, viruses, and bacterial infections. These can have significant impacts on bee colonies, leading to reduced honey production or even colony collapse. It is important to monitor hives regularly and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat diseases and pests.
3. Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as drought or cold temperatures, can affect the health and productivity of bee colonies. It is important to ensure that hives are appropriately sheltered and provided with adequate food and water.
4. Environmental hazards: Bees can be affected by environmental hazards such as pesticide exposure, pollution, and habitat loss. It is important to be aware of these hazards and take appropriate measures to protect bee colonies and promote healthy environments for bees.
5. Legal requirements: Beekeeping may be subject to local, state, or national regulations, such as registration or inspection requirements. It is important to be aware of these requirements and comply with them.

While beekeeping can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. By following best practices and staying informed about the latest developments in beekeeping, beekeepers can help ensure the health and productivity of their hives and contribute to the well-being of bee populations worldwide.