Can bumblebees sting or bite?
Many people are unsure whether bumblebees sting or bite in defense. Some opinions even go so far as to deny the flying insects any defense behavior. Here's what these claims are all about.
The defense mechanisms of the bumblebees
In fact, bumblebees can bite or pinch with their mouthparts as well as stab with the so-called weir sting. This happens when they feel threatened and their nest. In such a case, however, the sting is used more frequently. When it becomes dangerous, you can recognize by means of certain warning signals.
- If you notice that a bumblebee is lifting its middle leg towards you this is a clear signal that the animal feels threatened and may start attacking will.
- If the bumblebee throws itself on its back, it already brings the weir sting into the right position to sting. If you see this behavior in a bumblebee, the animal perceives a strong threat and becomes ready for defense.
- You can also hear the defense behavior of the bumblebee acoustically. If the insect assumes a danger, it makes a loud humming noise.
As for the sting, only the female bumblebees are a danger to you, because only these have a defensive sting.
The insects buzz especially in early summer and summer. The humming is with us ...
After stinging or biting
If you see a defensive reaction in bumblebees, it would be better to withdraw to avoid attack. Because even if this insect is not particularly aggressive, it stubbornly defends its own life and the nest. In the event of a bumblebee attack, it is best to do the following:
- If bumblebees bite when attacking, you will feel it more as a slight pinch. If you can still feel the bite later on, you can spread a cooling gel against insect bites.
- Even if the bumblebee's spines are not particularly strong, the animals can still stab them - especially if there is counter pressure. This can be achieved, for example, by the bumblebee lying on the ground or hitting the human skin with a strong force in flight. After such an attack, you should search the affected area for the sting. If you find it, you can easily remove it with your fingernails or tweezers.
- The bumblebee's stinger pumps poison into the site of the sting. This leads to a slight itching and burning sensation. As with the bite of the bumblebee, you can treat the sting with a cooling gel against insect bites.
- However, if the itching and burning sensation are particularly severe and swelling occurs, it is possible that you are allergic to the poison of the bumblebee. In this case it is important that you go to the doctor immediately.