Every beekeeper runs into it eventually: a hive that’s just plain hot. You crack the lid and before you can even lift a frame, bees are pinging your veil, buzzing your ears, and making it clear they’re not happy.
Some defensiveness in a strong colony is normal — bees protect their brood, honey, and home. But there’s a difference between healthy defense and a hive that’s downright mean.
A Texas Twist: Scutellata Genetics
In our part of Texas, many feral colonies carry genetics from Apis mellifera scutellata — a honey bee originally brought from South Africa to Brazil in the 1950s. Over time those bees spread north through Central America and into the southern U.S. Colonies with this lineage tend to be more defensive than European stock, quicker to swarm or even abscond, but also hardy, productive, and notably resistant to pests like the varroa mite.
In my work removing and rehoming feral colonies from walls and trees, I encounter these hybrids constantly. I often bring them back to my yards for what I call “beehabilitation”: requeening and prepping them to move into outyards.
Why? Liability is one reason — spicy bees attacking customers isn’t good for business. But it’s also a management headache. In my first five years of beekeeping I kept nothing but feral colonies, and while they were incredibly honey-productive and almost bulletproof against varroa mites, they came with frustrations: constant swarming, unpredictable absconding, and short tempers whenever I worked the hive.
After a few too many stinging incidents (for me and for customers), I made the switch to requeening with gentle stock from trusted breeders. That solved temperament issues, but of course brought me back into the reality of mite management. There’s no free lunch in beekeeping.
Why Bees Run Hot
- Genetics: Some colonies are just born feisty.
- Queen issues: An aging or poorly mated queen can destabilize a colony.
- Environment: Drought, pests, or too much beekeeper interference can all push bees over the edge.
How to Cool Them Down
- Requeen: Fresh genetics can turn a colony around in a matter of weeks.
- Give them space: Overcrowding makes bees edgy. Adding supers or splitting can help.
- Manage expectations: Some bees are simply more defensive. Know when it’s worth working them — and when it’s time to walk away.
The Debate
There are respected beekeepers who champion “small cell” bees, arguing that the feistier stock offers natural mite resistance. My take? For my money, I’ll take a queen from a reputable breeder, manage my mites, and keep my bees (and customers) calmer.
Bottom line: Hot bees aren’t the end of the world. With smart management and the right genetics, you can work with a spicier colony and manage it — or make some moves (divide, requeen) to turn fire-breathing guard bees into steady, productive colonies.