What method do bees use to defend their hive?

Bees primarily defend their hive through the use of stinging intruders. When a hive is threatened, worker bees will mobilize to protect their colony. The sting of a bee delivers venom that can deter or incapacitate a potential intruder. Honeybees, in particular, are known to have a barbed sting that remains lodged in the target, resulting in the bee's death after it stings. This instinct to defend their territory and queen is crucial for the survival of the hive, making it an effective and immediate response to perceived threats.

In contrast, increased foraging does not serve a defensive purpose and may actually expose bees to more risks. Building barriers is not a behavior typically associated with honeybees, as they do not construct physical barriers to protect the hive in the same way that some animal species might. Hiding from threats is also not a strategy that bees employ; instead, they confront dangers directly through defensive actions. Thus, the primary and most effective means of hive defense is through the act of stinging intruders.