Mysterious nest in air conditioner identified as stingless bees

A social media user recently posted in a Facebook group asking netizens to identify a mysterious nest found in an air conditioner, sparking a flurry of comments. The post read, “What kind of nest is this? Had a technician come to change the air conditioner, and it’s quite big.”

Group members quickly identified the nest’s inhabitants as stingless bees, known as ‘Chana Rong’ in Thai. One netizen quickly identified the nest.

“These are stingless bees. Their honey is very sweet but also very difficult to clean.”

Stingless bees, related to honeybees but lacking stingers, don’t inflict painful stings. Instead, their presence is more of a nuisance as they tend to swarm around.

These bees are found throughout Thailand and can build nests almost anywhere with a suitable cavity. Their preferred nesting sites include dark, enclosed spaces within 300 metres of a food source.

They can nest in bottles, pipes, cement cracks, tree hollows, and even in the crevices of buildings, including air conditioners.

Regular honey

Currently, stingless bees are also kept for their honey, which is significantly more expensive than regular honey. This prompted some group members to suggest harvesting the honey, while others warned to consider the environment’s suitability for consumption.

“Their honey is very sweet but also very difficult to clean.”

“Be sure to check the environment to ensure it’s suitable for consumption.”

Stingless bees’ ability to adapt to various environments and their less aggressive nature make them a unique species. Unlike honeybees, they don’t defend their nests with painful stings, which can be advantageous for those considering keeping them for honey production.

Their nests are fascinating structures, often hidden in places people wouldn’t expect, such as air conditioning units. The discovery of such a nest brought both curiosity and practical concerns to the forefront, especially regarding the honey’s quality and the bees’ impact on daily life.

While the comments section provided a mix of advice and personal experiences, the consensus was that stingless bees, though a minor nuisance, offer valuable honey. This honey is prized for its sweetness and higher market value compared to traditional honey, making the presence of these bees a potential boon rather than a burden.

The incident highlights the growing interest in stingless bees and their honey in Thailand. As more people become aware of these bees’ benefits, urban and rural residents alike will likely continue to share their experiences and tips on managing these unique insects.