table of contents
- Bumblebees
- Are bumblebees dangerous?
- When does the bumblebee sting?
- frequently asked Questions
Opinions are divided as to whether a bumblebee can sting or bite. The answer is simple: it can do both. However, mouthparts and stings are only used on bumblebees when they feel threatened.
In a nutshell
- Bumblebees are peaceful insects
- Workers and queens carry a sting for self-defense
- It is best to leave animals alone
- Sting is only dangerous for people who are allergic to insects
Bumblebees
Bumblebees (Bombus) are statebuilding insects. As with bees or wasps, there is one queen, Workers and drones (“males”). However, only the female animals have a so-called defense sting, which is only used for defense. However, this does not get stuck like that of the bees, but bumblebees can pull the stinger out again and if necessary. stab him again.
Are bumblebees dangerous?
The bumblebee is considered a peace-loving insect. Nevertheless, when stinging, toxins get into the human body, which cause allergic reactions and, in any case, swelling. In addition, a bumblebee sting can lead to attacks of suffocation, for example when bumblebees use their sting in their mouth and throat, as the swelling blocks the windpipe.
Tip: In summer, when drinking from opaque cups, bottles or cans, you should check in advance whether a bumblebee has lost its way into the drinking vessel.
When does the bumblebee sting?
The workers sting when there is a threat to themselves or to the nest where their people live. From the insect's point of view, this includes scenarios such as:
- fiddling at the entrance of the nest
- Closing the nest entrance
- Take animals in hand
The bumblebee can also perceive other situations as threatening, such as:
- wild gesturing (to scare away the insect)
- step on the animal (for example on the meadow in summer)
- accidental trapping with clothing (e. B. when gardening)
However, bumblebees do not sting immediately when they feel threatened, but warn their enemies. So the insect lifts its middle leg as a warning sign. If this is not enough, the bumblebee begins to hum loudly, turns on its back and stretches its abdomen at the enemy with a sting as a threatening gesture. If it has taken this defensive stance, you should leave the insect alone, because the bumblebee is now ready to sting.
Note: Some bumblebees also bite firmly before sting. The mouthparts are also used when the insect gets caught in the hair.
frequently asked Questions
The earliest queens fly from March. As a rule, the young bumblebee queen leaves her winter quarters when temperatures are above freezing and the sun warms the ground.
To prevent the swelling, you should cool the sting and treat it with an anti-histamine ointment.
Yes, if the bumblebee stings, you must expect the sting to get under your skin.
