Most people see bees out in the world foraging, simply trying to locate pollen, nectar, or some other food source. These bees are not defensive, they have nothing on their mind other than food; they will only sting if they are sat on or otherwise trapped. Bees are only likely to sting within a few feet of their hive, and even then they generally give warnings first, like buzzing near one’s head. In those cases it is best to walk away slowly, the guard bee will often just return to the hive. In exceptionally rare cases a number of bees may become defensive, and in these cases it is advisable to run, but this mainly happens in the wild (for instance, on a hike) when a whole colony is disturbed quickly.

In order to avoid contact with the bees’ natural defensive area, we place barriers of various kinds well around the hives. Additionally, if bees have ample food and space in their hive, and the hive is well maintained, they are low-stress and much less defensive.

Careful placement of hives is the best thing one can do avoid unexpected or undesired contact. Our Westside site (above), at Fox & Pearl restaurant, is our most exposed apiary. There are homes and sidewalks nearby, and while the neighbors are aware and approving, there are passersby and others. We’ve placed the hives on top of a hill a distance from the sidewalk and parking lots, with straw bale barriers on the sides, and a shed will go in place behind the hives. At our other sites there is ample fencing and other barriers to minimize contact, and we usually place hives against a wall or with barriers on three sides.

Bees’ flight paths and sight lines can be easily controlled and manipulated, which we do at all of our sites. In most cases, if a bee can’t see you they don’t look for you or care at all, and if people don’t see a hive they wouldn’t even know one was there. This is why so many people can keep bees in their gardens and yards with few issues.

We do not want to ask anything of our neighbors or others nearby, it is important to us to create benefit for all and detriment for none. Bee KC has signage with safety and contact info at all of our apiaries, these signs will always be seen before the hives. We are working toward having EpiPens at all of our sites (it is hoped that a hospital partner will donate these as they are quite expensive and have quick expirations). If someone is stung for the first time, be sure to monitor their reaction, allergies are uncommon and in most cases it will feel worse than a mosquito bite but much better than a wasp sting, but always better safe than sorry.

Bees have very little on their minds other than working and gathering resources. If there are any questions or comments please use our contact page, we respond to every email within a day.