What method do bees use to defend their hive from intruders?

Bees primarily defend their hive from intruders by stinging and guarding the entrance. When a threat is detected, worker bees will take on a defensive role, effectively using their stingers to fend off invaders. The ability to sting is a key protective mechanism for honeybees, as it helps them safeguard their brood and resources from predators and other threats.

In addition to stinging, bees also exhibit guarding behavior. They station themselves at the entrance of the hive, monitoring and assessing incoming bees. This vigilance helps them maintain control over who is allowed access to their colony. If an unfamiliar or harmful presence is detected, the guarding bees can react swiftly to defend the hive's integrity.

Other methods, such as camouflaging or building barriers, are not typical behaviors exhibited by bees in defending their colonies. While some insects might use camouflage or physical barriers for protection, honeybees primarily rely on their stinging capabilities and surveillance to ensure their hive remains secure against intruders. Raising alarm sounds, on the other hand, is not a documented behavior in honeybees; they communicate through pheromones rather than audibly to warn each other of threats.