Common misconception about bees dying after stinging

Most people believe that wasps can sting you more than once, while bees can only sting you once, at which point they die and leave the stinger behind. However, this is actually false.

Honey bees can only sting once, but most other bees don't die after they sting. It's a very common misconception, much the same as people believing that all bees and wasps are capable of stinging, when actually only the females can sting - the reason being that the sting is actually an ovipositer, which is responsible for laying eggs.

The lancets, which enclose the part of the sting that injects the venom, are smoother on solitary bees and wasps, as well as some social bumble bees. In bees such as honey bees, the lancets have large barbs which are angled against the body, so the bee cannot pull the sting back out. The sting is left behind when the bee flies off, which causes it to die.

Lovely subject, eh?

Well I've learn something there, thanks  

That's a great comfort Eleanor (not!).

Can bumblebees sting then (and worse, more than once?)

Hehe, you're welcome!

Lynda, some of them can. Bumble bees really aren't aggressive though! They'll almost always just bumble around, have a look at you, then buzz off again. The chances of one stinging you are extremely slim, unless you disturb a nest or try to pick one up. Social bumble bees around their nests will give warning as well, so if you hear the buzzing getting louder or more urgent, it's a sign that they're not happy with you.

If a bee or a wasp comes near you and you don't like it, the best thing to do is to gently blow or waft it away - don't swat. Female wasps can become aggressive at this time of year (Autumn), as they've left their hives in search of winter hibernation, so swatting is likely to antagonise it. If one lands on you, you can also sit still until it flies away.

That was very interesting  

Very informative Eleanor. I've learnt something new today, I never knew it was only the girlies can sting, I'm terrified of wasps

i love bees,wasps thou scare me  ,

Hubby keeps two hives a of bees but I never go near them as I'm alergic

Another great post Eleanor! But sit still if a bee or something alike lands on me....very unlikely   I look like im trying out a new kind of karate  

Very informative Eleanor, I was stung yesterday on the neck and somewhat took comfort in thinking the little devil would have gone to his maker! Now I don't know  

You're welcome, and also I'm sorry!

Interesting about the bumblebees, Eleanor. I always thought they couldn't sting. I don't panic when they near me or anything, it's just when I'm rescuing them from my house into the outside world. I've always caught them in a cup or spider catcher, just in case - glad I was cautious now!

They usually just bounce around against the kitchen window when they get in our house, so we let them be for a while. If they still can't get out, we usually shoo them along with a magazine or something.