Africanized Honey Bees

Learn how to identify these insects and protect yourself and your family.

Introduction
Avoiding AHBs & Protecting Yourself
Don't Worry, 'Bee' Happy

Introduction

Africanized honey bees (AHB) have made their way into the state of Florida. AHBs breed and compete with the European strains of honey bees that normally inhabit our state. Because Florida's AHB population is increasing, it is important to become familiar with AHBs and their behavior.

Although they are often referred to as killer bees, the correct term is Africanized honey bees. Another common mistake is describing them as aggressive. Their behavior is actually defensive--they react to human invasion of their environment and defend themselves when necessary. Attacks occur when people get too close to a nesting colony of AHBs. The AHBs do not sit around and plot attacks on humans.

Most people probably first hear about Africanized honey bees via B-grade movies such as "Killer Bees" (1974) and "The Swarm" (1978). Labeling AHBs as aggressive killers can provoke unjustified fear and hysteria.

Fortunately, you do not have to learn about Africanized honey bees from bad horror movies or rumors on the Internet. These tips from the Florida IPM Office can help you educate and protect yourself and your family.

Avoiding AHBs & Protecting Yourself

Common AHB Nesting Sites

Be aware of the places where AHBs are likely to nest. Potential sites include:

abandoned vehicles
empty containers
places with holes
fences
lumber piles
manholes
water meters
utility infrastructures
old tires
trees
garages
outbuildings
sheds
walls
chimneys
crawl spaces under houses or buildings

Bee-proof Your Property

The best defense is a good offense. Removing or blocking potential nesting sites around your yard and house reduces your risk of encountering Africanized honey bees at home.

In order to 'bee-proof' a building, remove all potential nesting sites.
From March to July (swarming season), inspect your property weekly for unusual bee activity.
Seal all gaps larger than 1/8-inch in walls and around chimneys and plumbing.
Install screens made of 1/8-inch hardware cloth over other openings, such as rain spouts, vents, cavities of trees and fence posts, water meters, utility boxes, etc.

If you do find bees nesting on your property, contact your county Extension agent or a certified pest control operator. Africanized honey bees can interbreed with European bees, which means that all wild colonies of bees are at risk of being European/African crosses. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services currently recommends that all wild bee hives be exterminated by certified pest control operators.

(Note: Exclusion of entry points is a principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and will also keep out other unwanted pests.)

What To Do If You Get Stung

If you are stung by any type of bee, do not stay in one place and swat the bees. Remember, AHBs are trying to defend their nest. When a stinging event happens, you are too close to the nest, and you need to leave the area immediately. If you stand still, the bees may become more agitated. Cover your nose and mouth with your shirt as you run. This restricts bee access to your airways.

Furthermore, do not hide in thick underbrush or water. It may take the bees thirty minutes or longer to leave an area! Finally, seek shelter in a building or vehicle. Some bees will probably enter the shelter with you, but not as many as will remain outside.

If you witness an attack, do not go to the victim and try to help. It is better to stand at a safe distance and yell to the person to leave the area as quickly as possible.

(Note: Africanized honey bees will attack dark colors, going for eyes, nose, and mouth. Some estimates say that it will take about five stings per pound to kill a person; other estimates are higher.)

Don't Worry, 'Bee' Happy

Africanized honey bees can be frightening. You should respect them, but remember that their "killer bee" image comes from rumors and sci-fi movies, not from facts.

Although the AHB populations are generally more defensive, European bees also display defensive behavior, though at a much reduced level. The European honey bees (EHBs) that beekeepers work with have been bred for docility over hundreds of years.

In South America, where AHB populations have taken over, pollination and honey production experienced a slight dip during the transition period between EHB/AHB hybridization. However, countries in South and Central America are now exporting honey again, and AHBs are being selectively bred to produce more docile bees.

You can find more information about AHBs at FDACS's African Honey Bee page.

For more information about integrated pest management (IPM), visit IPM Florida.