As a pest control technician, I’ve handled everything from hornet nests in soffits to honey bee colonies inside walls. But before I even get to the ladder or the protective gear, there’s usually a conversation at the door—and most homeowners ask the same questions. The truth is, there are a lot of myths about bees floating around, and some of them can lead to unnecessary fear—or risky decisions.
Let’s set the record straight. Here are the top 5 myths I hear from homeowners, and what’s really going on.
1. “Do all bees die after stinging?”
Not all bees, but honey bees do.**
This is one of the most common questions I get, and it’s partially true.
Honey bees have a barbed stinger. When they sting a human or animal with thick skin, that stinger gets stuck. When the bee pulls away, the stinger (and part of its abdomen) gets torn off—and the bee dies shortly after.
But other bees don’t have that issue.
- Bumble bees can sting multiple times.
- Carpenter bees, though usually non-aggressive, can sting more than once too.
So, the “sting-and-die” myth only applies to honey bees—and even then, only when they sting mammals. Against other insects (or thin-skinned pests), they often survive the sting.
2. “Can bees smell fear?”
No—but they can detect your body language and movements.**
Bees don’t “smell fear” the way people think. They don’t have some sixth sense for human emotion.
But they do pick up on rapid movement, vibration, and breath rate—all of which change when someone is nervous or panicking. Swatting at a bee, yelling, or breathing heavily near the hive can signal danger to them.
Lesson from the field? Stay calm, move slowly, and avoid sudden gestures. I’ve stood within a foot of a hive in full gear with no issues—because I’m calm, careful, and not threatening their space.
3. “If I kill one bee, will it attract more?”
Sometimes—especially near the hive.**
This one depends on the species and the situation.
Bees can release alarm pheromones when they sting or die near the hive. This acts like a chemical “distress call” that can attract more bees to defend the area.
So yes—killing a bee near its colony can trigger a defensive response. That’s why you should never try to swat bees near an active hive. It’s not just about that one bee—it’s about who might come next.
(For the record, wasps are even worse about this. Yellowjackets respond to alarm pheromones aggressively and in numbers.)
4. “Bees only sting to protect the queen.”
They actually defend the whole colony.**
It’s true that the queen is important—she’s the only one laying eggs. But worker bees aren’t just guarding her. They’re defending the entire hive, which includes:
- The honey and pollen stores
- Developing larvae and pupae
- The structure itself
Bees have evolved to treat any threat near the entrance—human or animal—as a potential danger to the colony. And they don’t wait for you to reach the queen to react.
So whether you’re mowing the lawn near a ground hive or hammering near a wall void, the bees are responding to perceived threat—not some noble instinct to defend their royalty.
5. “Bees near my house must be a bad sign.”
Not always. Many bees are just passing through.**
I get called out all the time for “bee infestations” that turn out to be harmless pollinators moving through the yard.
Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Wandering or foraging bees (especially on flowers) are usually no problem. They’re looking for nectar or pollen, not building a nest.
- Swarming bees (a big clump on a tree or fence post) are usually temporary. It’s a migrating group protecting a new queen. They’ll move on in 24–72 hours.
- Bees flying in and out of a single hole, consistently, throughout the day? That’s probably a nest. Time to call someone.
In short: Bee activity near your home doesn’t always mean danger. But it’s worth investigating—especially if pets or children are around, or if the bees seem concentrated in one area.
🛠️ Final Advice from the Field
- Don’t spray them. Most over-the-counter products are meant for wasps and can be harmful to bees—and illegal to use on them in many areas.
- Don’t plug the hole. Sealing off an active hive can trap bees inside your walls or push them deeper into your home.
- Do call a professional. Whether it’s me, a licensed beekeeper, or another pest control technician, let someone with the right tools and training assess the situation.
Most bees aren’t out to hurt you. But that doesn’t mean they belong in your soffit, attic, or siding. Know the difference between myth and reality, and you’ll stay safer—and maybe even help protect the pollinators we all depend on.