I have been asked what is the temperament of an Italian honey bee? The Italian honey bee is, by far, the most common honey bee used by beekeepers.
The Italian honey bee has many good traits which include the following:
- Temperament: The Italian does have the best temperament we have encountered. It must be noted that ALL bees have “good” days and “bad” days. Italian bees will have “bad” days, just like us humans. I recommend if you see your Italian bees become aggressive, just put the hive cover back on the hive and come back another day. “Good” days far outnumber the “bad” days!
- Seasonal Start: Italian bees have a excellent seasonal start in the Spring. The bees will thrive once nectar and pollen starts coming into the hive. The Italian queen senses the pollen and nectar and begins to accelerate her brood production.
- Defense: Italian bees score lower on defending the hive against pests such as the Small Hive Beetle, wax moths, and roaches. When compared to Carniolan bees the Italian bees do score lower.
- Brood Production: Italian queens will begin to reduce brood production almost as soon as the last major pollen and nectar sources have passed in the fall season. Normally, this is Goldenrod.
Overall, Italian honey bees get a “A” from Nigel in the Bee Yard!
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