Heather bee stings

[BKF Admin]

Is it true that bees that have been working heather can cause a reaction when stinging that is more severe than bees that have been on a general crop?

 

[Poly Hive]

Where did you come across this one Admin?

It's certainly true that colonies on ling are more defensive but I don't think they are more painful individually.

PH

 

[BKF Admin]

Have a look at the very bottom of the page,it was a talk given to North Cotswold BKA a few years back.

http://www.ncbka.org.uk/Heather22404.htm

 

[Poly Hive]

never heard that one before.

Will tell you a heather story when I have some time.

PH

 

[Hivemaker.]

Definately more defensive,most likely because its near the end of normal honey flows and lots of them have also been de-supered and transported off to the moors. Never really noticed any difference in there stings whatsoever.but i don't really have much reaction to stings,so someone more sensitive may notice?

 

[Bcrazy]

There is no difference in the concentration of venom within the venom sac of the Honey bee. Foraging bees, whatever they are foraging on will not affect the peptides within the venom sac.
I think its more down to the individual and how they react to being stung.

Regards;