Bees are fascinating creatures known for their crucial role in pollination and their ability to produce honey. One of the most distinctive aspects of bees is the sounds they make. When people think about bees, the first sound that usually comes to mind is a buzzing or humming noise. This sound is not just a random characteristic; it serves an important purpose in the life and communication of bees. Learn about the different bee sounds and what factors keep bees buzzing.

How bees make noise

Bee sounds are created primarily through their wings. As bees fly, their wings beat at incredibly high speeds, and it is this rapid movement that generates the buzzing sound we associate with these insects. The wings of a bee can flap approximately 200 times per second. This rapid flapping pushes against the air, creating sound waves that are responsible for bees buzzing. When a bee flaps its wings faster, the frequency of the sound waves increases, leading to a higher pitch. This variation in wing speed and, thus pitch can occur for several reasons. For instance, when a bee is carrying a heavier load of pollen or nectar, its wings might beat at a different rate to accommodate the extra weight, altering the bee's sound.

Bee on flower

Buzz pollination

Buzz pollination, also known as sonication, is a technique used by certain bee species to release pollen from flowers. Not all flowers release their pollen easily; some have evolved to only release it when vibrated at a specific frequency. Bees that perform buzz pollination are able to grab onto a flower and rapidly vibrate their flight muscles, shaking the pollen loose for bees to collect, much like a salt shaker. Several bee species, including bumblebees and some solitary bees, can perform buzz pollination. Honeybees, however, do not use this technique.

What should you do if you hear bees?

If you hear the unmistakable sound of bees buzzing nearby, it's important to remain calm and avoid disturbing them. Start by slowly moving away from the area where you hear the bee sounds, as sudden movements can provoke them. Remember, bees are generally not aggressive unless provoked. Even if a flowering bush is covered in bees, those bees will not try to sting unless they are harassed. If a hive is located near your home or where people frequently gather, it's crucial to call in professional beekeepers or your local Terminix technician. At Terminix, our experts have the experience and equipment to safely handle a bee problem while minimizing the risk to both people and bees.

Contact the Terminix bee experts to tackle buzzing bees on your property.