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How far can honey bees fly?

A honey bee will not fly much higher than the height of any obstacle in its path. The bee will learn to fly straight out from its colony at high speed and will be most surprised if it strikes an new obstacle, such as you standing in the way. It may lash out and you will receive a sting, so be careful when walking close to the front of a busy beehive.

Mating drones will fly up to 30 metres above ground to find a queen, and can go much higher if warm rising thermal air carries them.

Published: 20th October, 2017

Updated: 23rd October, 2019

Author: Claire Hartry

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© The British Beekeepers Association
The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 1185343.
The National Beekeeping Centre, National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG | 0300 020 0649

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