Honeybees have four wings, two antennae, they have three body sections and six legs. They are usually gold and black in color variation.

Honey bee colonies can be managed in boxes and can live inside walls, barns, trees and various other places. Honey bees do not nest in the ground. If they are in a non managed structure, they are usually in a ball surrounding the queen. If they have been there a while, they may have already begun building beeswax comb and would be on the comb.

Yes. There is one queen per colony, 2% are male honey bees and worker bees are girls and make up the 98% of the colony.

The honey bee’s purpose is to survive and keep the colony alive. Honey bees visit flowers and blooms collect nectar and pollen. They bring it back to the hive to produce honey and food for the colony.

Honey bees have to have water to cool the hive and produce honey. Water can be collected from streams, ponds, lakes, water hoses and pools. They also are attracted to salty water. Unfortunately, once a honey bee locates a reliable water source, they will return to it over and over. There are several things you can do to deter them from returning. Make a alternate water source (preferably salty) that they will visit instead of the pool. Run a mist water hose nearby on a plant or bush. Call a local beekeeper to offer other suggestions.

Most humans have a reaction from a honey bee sting with red, itchy and swelling. That is a typical reaction. Only 1% of the world’s population reacts to honey bee stings that causes them to go into anaphylactic shock. Honey bee venom is different, you may not react in the same way as with any other stinging insects. If you are stung, Don’t panic! Remove the stinger immediately by scraping it with your fingernail. If you know react with major swelling, have access an anti-histamine or a prescribed epi-pen. If you experience a swelling in your throat call 911. Other concerns such as red blotches radiating from the sting site, dizzy get to emergency medical facility.

In a managed colony which is a colony that is kept in a box and controlled by the beekeeper.  It is safe for pets, children and adults.  Legitimate concerns can be discussed with the beekeeper.  There may be alternate beekeeping methods that can be used.  If that does not help the situation please contact the State Association.  Please include your name, address and other contact information.

If you are have a question about honeybees please contact someone in your local area by accessing the information listed under “Local Associations”.  If you need to contact the SC State Association, please use the following contact information:

Larry Haigh
2015-2016 President – SCBA

Email: scstatebeekeepers@gmail.com