Honeybee colonies typically last for many years at a single nest site, becoming semidormant during the winter months. Honeybees feed on nectar and pollen and do not scavenge garbage. The honeybee is an extremely important and beneficial insect due to its production of honey and other products, as well as pollination of plants. They frequently are confused with the nuisance species of yellowjackets. Honeybees are most easily differentiated from yellowjackets by their covering of hairs.
Honeybees do leave a stinger attached to the skin if they sting.
Honeybees rarely cause problems in Colorado by nesting in homes. When bees do nest within the siding of a house, removal can be difficult and may require professional assistance. If not, they may melt and flow into interior areas of the building. This will attract rodents and wasps. The siding of the house may have to be removed to clean out the remains of a destroyed colony.