What risk do bees face when they drift into another hive?

When bees drift into another hive, they face the significant risk of being killed by the guard bees of that hive. Each honeybee colony has its own unique scent, which enables the guard bees to identify members of their colony and distinguish them from intruders. When a bee from another colony enters, the guard bees view it as a potential threat. They are programmed to defend the hive against foreign bees to protect their queen, brood, and resources. Therefore, if a drifting bee is recognized as an outsider, the guard bees will likely attack and kill it to maintain the safety and integrity of their colony. This behavior underscores the importance of maintaining colony boundaries and the instinctual defense mechanisms present in honeybee communities.