A healthy colony may contain 80,000 worker bees or more at its peak in summer time. Workers will build and maintain the hive from wax secreted from glands in their abdomen. The hexagonal cells of the comb provide the internal structure of the hive and are used for storage of the young bees and honey.  Workers leave the hive to gather nectar, pollen, water, and propolis, which is a gummy substance made from tree sap that has antibacterial properties and is used to seal and caulk the exterior of the hive.  They convert the nectar to honey, clean the comb, and feed the larvae, drones, and the queen. They also ventilate the hive, and when necessary, defend the colony with their stings. Workers do not mate and therefore can not produce fertile eggs, however they will occasionally lay infertile eggs, which will become a drone.

Honey bees are the sole source of honey and beeswax, a fine wax with unusual qualities. Honey bees also produce propolis - a gummy substance, royal jelly, and pollen for human consumption. Honey bee venom is extracted for the production of automotive therapy and is being investigated as a treatment for several serious diseases of the muscles, connective tissue, and immune system, including multiple sclerosis and arthritis.

Honey is composed of fructose, glucose, and water, but it also contains several enzymes and oils.  The color and flavor depend on the age of the honey and the source of the nectar.  Light-colored honeys are usually of higher quality than darker honeys; white honey is derived from the Californian white sage.  Other high-grade honeys are made by bees from orange blossoms, clover, and alfalfa.  A well-known, poorer-grade honey is made from buckwheat.

Honey has a fuel value of about 3307 cal/kg (about 1520 cal/lb). It readily picks up moisture from the air and is consequently used as a moistening agent for tobacco and in many baking applications. 

Honey to be marketed is usually heated by special processes to about 66° C (about 150° F) to dissolve the crystals and is poured into containers that are then sealed to prevent crystallization.  The fructose in crystallized honey ferments readily at about 16° C (about 60° F) or over.  Fermented honey is used to make honey wine or mead.