Common name
Honey Bee
Scientific name
Apis mellifera Linnaeus
Identification
|
Characteristics |
Specifications |
|
Size (Adults) |
11 – 15mm, whole length (worker) 15 – 20mm, whole length (queen) 15 – 17mm, whole length (drone) |
|
Body shape |
Long, pointed abdomens |
|
General body colour |
Orange-brown to black |
|
Features |
Workers have barbed sting present, queens have a smooth stinger, drones have no stingers |
|
Wings |
Wings well developed, but does not extend beyond the abdomen |
|
Others |
May be confused with Africanized honey bees (required a specialist to distinguish both species) |
Habits
- Social insects that live in colonies (hives)
- Does not attack unless provoked
- Worker bees pollinate flowers, Queen bee lays eggs and Drones (male) bees serve as a tool for reproduction
- Attracted to large clusters of flowers, especially those that reproduce through animal pollination (i.e. orchids, snapdragons etc)
Control
1. Inspection
- Due to urbanization, bees have had to build their hives closer to residential areas
- Hives have been known to form on tree branches, ceilings etc
- Distinct features including loud buzzing noises and clustering of bees
- Do NOT approach the hive or provoke the bees!
- Call ORIGIN and a technician will assist you
- Note that hive removals are usually conducted at either dawn or dusk as bees will be less active then
- Bees are attracted to sweet-smelling items, so clear any food or drink spillages immediately
- Ensure all rubbish bags are tied up securely
ORIGIN Exterminators is the first pest management company in the world to be awarded ISO 14001 EMS certification