Bees have been helping humans for thousands of years, not just by making honey but by pollinating crops that feed the world. In fact, many of our favorite foods are only available because of bee pollination. Honey bees alone contribute over $15 billion to U.S. agriculture annually through their vital role in pollinating fruits, nuts, and vegetables. 

But they also have a side gig: sniffing out bombs.

Yes, really.

How Do You Train a Bee to Sniff Out Bombs?

Training bees to detect explosives involves classical conditioning. Researchers expose bees to the scent of explosives and immediately reward them with a sugar solution. Over time, the bees associate the explosive scent with food, prompting them to extend their proboscis (a long, straw-like tongue) when they detect the target scent. This method has been successfully demonstrated by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, who trained honeybees to respond to vapors from TNT, C4, and TATP explosives. 

Okay, but why?

Bees possess an exceptional sense of smell, allowing them to detect scents at parts per trillion. Unlike dogs, bees don't get tired, require handlers to live with them, or need extensive training periods. A single colony can provide thousands of workers, making them cost-effective for large-scale operations. Their ability to cover vast areas quickly and efficiently makes them ideal candidates for tasks like detecting roadside bombs in war zones.

A Buzzing Economy for Beekeepers

American beekeepers depend on their bees—not just for honey but for crop pollination services. These "side jobs," like bomb detection and even medical research, create additional economic opportunities for the beekeepers who help produce 100% U.S. honey varietals with unique tastes – and who just so happen to pollinate our nation from coast to coast.

Bees are more than just honey-makers—they're hard-working partners in industries beyond the hive. Whether they're pollinating in California or detecting explosives in high-risk areas, bees prove that nature's smallest workers can take on some of the biggest jobs.

For a visual explanation of how bees are trained to detect explosives, you might find this video informative: