Africanized Honey Bee
"Killer Bees"
Africanized Honey Bees, noted for their aggressive stinging behavior, are descendants of escaped African bees imported into Brazil in 1956. After establishing themselves in South America, Africanized Honey Bees (AHB's) advanced up the coasts into Central America. By 1990 they had established themselves in Texas and began spreading to other southern states.
AHB's look and act very much like their European counterparts but exhibit some very important differences. For example, the AHB's can display an ultra-defensive behavior (read as aggressive) when they or particularly their nests are disturbed. The major threat of AHB's is in their tendency to swarm in large numbers and for extended distances when threatened. European Honey Bees (EHB's) may sting an intruder once or twice for a transgression of their territory and perhaps chase an intruder as far as 100 feet from the nest. On the other hand, AHB's will attack in swarms and inflict multiple stings to a victim. Also, AHB's will chase an intruder up to 1/4 mile. Another important difference is the period of defensive agitation AHB's exhibit. While the EHB's remain agitated for perhaps an hour after a disturbance, AHB's will remain agitated for 8 or more hours before their reaction subsides. These traits and some reports of AHB's seriously stinging and even killing pets, livestock, and humans has earned the AHB's the name "Killer Bees".
AHB's react to various disturbances which can occur at a greater distance from an AHB nest than an EHB nest. For example, Vibration or Noise caused by power equipment such as lawnmowers or leaf blowers can precipitate an attack. Also Motion or movement near a colony (within perhaps 50 feet) can cause the AHB's to attack as well. Nests may be found in many locations likely to be disturbed by humans. Nesting sites include: empty boxes, cans, buckets or other containers; old tires; abandoned or infrequently used vehicles; lumber piles; cavities in fences, trees or the ground; sheds, garages, and other out buildings; under decks or under the eves of your house.
AHB's are not found in Shasta County yet. To see how far north they have gotten in California click here.
General Precautions
- Examine work areas before using power equipment such as lawn mowers, weed eaters and chain saws.
- Do not disturb nests when located. Inform your local Vector Control Specialists or Agricultural Department.
- Remove possible nesting sites around the house and yard.
- Inspect outside walls of all buildings on the property and seal openings larger than 1/8 inch with fine mesh screen or stuff holes with steel wool.
- Install fine mesh screens over the drain part of rain gutters.
What to do if Stung
- Go quickly to a safe area.
- Scrape stinger out with finger nail, knife or credit card. DO NOT squeeze stinger as it will release more venom.
- Wash with soap and water
- Seek medical attention.
John Albright, Biologist - Public Information Specialist, wrote two articles about AHB's in 1997:
The Sting II: Africanized Honeybee
The information in this web page is also available in a brochure.
For More Information:
(530) 365-3768