No. Never give a bee honey. Honey seems like the natural choice, but it can carry a disease that destroys whole hives. Here is why, and what to feed a bee instead.
What is American Foulbrood?
American Foulbrood is a bacterial disease of honeybees. The bacterium is called Paenibacillus larvae. It attacks bee larvae and kills them in the comb. The disease forms tough spores that survive for years. Once a hive is infected, beekeepers often have to destroy it to stop the spread.
How does it spread?
The spores spread through food. A bee that feeds on infected honey carries the spores back to its hive. The spores pass to the larvae through their food. From there the disease moves bee to bee, hive to hive. A single drop of contaminated honey is enough to start it.
Why even shop-bought honey is risky
Honey on a supermarket shelf can carry American Foulbrood spores. The spores are tough and survive processing. Honey looks clean and smells fine, yet still holds them. Much of the honey sold in the UK is imported, so its source is hard to trace. The safe rule is simple: never feed honey to a wild bee.
What is safe instead
White granulated sugar mixed with warm water is the safe sugar water method and gives a bee the energy it needs. For the full method, see safe ways to revive a bee. For a quick guide on the right and wrong foods, read what to feed a dying bee.
Why the honey myth sticks
Honey feels right because bees make it. Bees make honey to store in the hive, not as emergency fuel for a stranger on the pavement. Sugar water is closer to flower nectar and carries no disease risk. The instinct to reach for honey is kind, but sugar water is the safer choice every time.
The always-ready option
Mixing sugar water takes a few minutes at home. A bee revival kit holds bee-safe syrup on your keys, ready in seconds and free of any honey risk.