Myths & Facts

Fact: Honeybees are gentle by nature and sting only as a last resort—because when they do, they die. Their stingers are barbed and get stuck in the skin, tearing from their bodies as they fly away. This fatal act is a defense mechanism, not aggression. Unlike wasps, which can sting multiple times and are more territorial, honeybees are focused on foraging and pollinating. They’d much rather be visiting flowers than bothering people. Seeing them as vulnerable and essential helps us understand they’re not here to harm—they’re here to help.

Fact: Bees naturally forage in a wide area — not just next door. A healthy honeybee can fly up to 2–5 miles from its hive in search of nectar and pollen. That means if you see bees in your yard, they could be from anywhere in the neighborhood — or even farther.

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Having a beekeeper nearby actually helps because managed bees are monitored for health and behavior. Plus, more bees means better pollination for your fruit trees, flowers, and garden. Most of the time, bees are just passing through, focused on their work, and not interested in people at all.

Fact: Most bee stings just cause mild swelling, redness, and itching where the sting happened — that’s a normal immune response, not something to panic about. It usually clears up in a few hours to a couple of days. According to medical studies, 0.4% -3.3% of people experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. It’s rare, and people who are allergic usually already know and carry an epinephrine (EpiPen) for safety. For most folks, a sting is uncomfortable, but not dangerous — and remember, bees only sting if they feel threatened.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website about bee stings is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek professional medical care if you have concerns about a sting, allergic reactions, or other health issues.

Fact: Beekeeping is a rewarding but demanding practice, and not something most people take on casually. Starting even a small apiary requires hundreds of dollars in equipment — hives, tools, protective gear — plus ongoing costs for maintenance and health checks. It also takes regular, hands-on work: inspecting hives every couple of weeks, managing pests, preventing swarms, and ensuring the bees have everything they need to thrive.

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Most people who keep bees do so because they have the interest, knowledge, and commitment to care for them — not because it’s “easy.” This bill gives those willing and able to do the work the option to help our island’s pollinators thrive, while ensuring they can do so without fear of a neighbor trying to shut them down just to make humbug or settle an old dispute. It’s about protecting responsible beekeepers and the pollinators Kaua‘i depends on.

Fact: When bees swarm, they’re not being aggressive — they’re just looking for a new home. Swarming is a natural part of how colonies grow. When a hive gets too crowded, the queen and about half the bees leave to find more space. During this time, bees are full of honey and focused on relocating, not stinging — in fact, swarming bees are usually at their calmest.

Proactive beekeepers can help prevent swarming by managing hive space and requeening when necessary. With good stewardship, swarming can be minimized, and when it does happen, it’s rarely a threat — just a fascinating part of bee life.

Email us with your fears or questions about honeybees and we will get you some facts.