Africanized Honey Bees in Florida

The Africanized honey bee (Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier) is popularly known as the “killer bee” and sometimes simply the “AHB”. They are a result of matings between the African bee subspecies and European honey bees. These bees are not easily distinguished from domestic honey bees and have spread throughout the southern United States. These bees can be found in Southern California, southern Nevada, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, and central and southern Florida.

What Do Africanized Honey Bees Look Like?

Africanized honey bees closely resemble European honey bees in size and appearance. They are about ¾ of an inch long, covered in fine fuzz, and have brownish bodies with dark stripes. Their stripes are less distinct than those found on wasps or hornets, making them easy to distinguish from species like the bald-faced hornet. Learning Africanized honey bee facts and how they differ from other common bees, wasps, and hornets in Florida will help you to identify them.

Signs of an Africanized Honey Bee Infestation

If bees react quickly and in swarms, they may be Africanized honey bees. Unlike European honey bees, Africanized honey bees are more likely to sting multiple times and pursue perceived threats relentlessly.

Their nests are often hidden in unusual places, such as utility boxes, tree cavities, attics, sheds, old tires, or even underground holes. A constant, loud buzzing sound near these areas can indicate a nearby colony. Frequent sightings of swarms moving or searching for new nesting sites may also be a sign of infestation. Africanized honey bees also tend to become more aggressive over time, reacting strongly to vibrations and loud noises, for example, a lawnmower or strimmer.

Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Behaviors

Africanized honey bees share many traits with European honey bees but differ in their nesting habits, behavior, and defensiveness. Understanding where they live, what they eat, and how they behave can help in identifying and safely managing encounters with these aggressive bees.

Where Do Africanized Honey Bees Live?

A common difference between Africanized and European honey bees is their choice of nest locations. Africanized honey bees are less selective when seeking out a potential nesting site. Colonies are smaller and have been found in water meter boxes, cement blocks, barbecue grills, cavities in the ground, and hanging exposed from tree limbs. European honey bees are rarely found in these locations as they prefer larger nesting sites like chimneys and tree hollows. 

Humans inadvertently provide nesting sites for these bees. This is partly why Africanized honey bees are frequently encountered by humans.

Diet

Like all honey bees, Africanized honey bees primarily feed on nectar and pollen collected from flowers. They also use the nectar to produce honey, which serves as a food source for their colony. The diet of Africanized honey bees plays a vital role in pollination, helping to fertilize plants and crops.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of an Africanized honey bee includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The queen lays eggs in wax cells, and workers feed the developing larvae. After pupating, adult bees emerge and assume roles as workers, drones, or queens. Africanized honey bee colonies reproduce through swarming, with a queen and a group of worker bees leaving the hive to establish a new colony.

Behaviors

Africanized honey bees are highly defensive and quick to respond to perceived threats. Unlike European honey bees, they can aggressively chase people over long distances. Sometimes, this can be up to 500 feet. They are also more likely to abandon their nests when disturbed, making them more unpredictable in behavior.

Are Africanized Honey Bees Dangerous?

Africanized honey bees can be a public health concern because they are more likely to sting than “typical” honey bees. They are more unpredictable and defensive than domestic honey bees. They generally react only when their nests are threatened, though. 

Africanized honey bees usually attack sources of loud noise and vibrations. They can also attack large, dark-colored moving objects that occur within 50-150 feet of the colony. Children, the elderly, and handicapped individuals are at the highest risk of an attack. This is due to their inability or hampered ability to escape an attack.

Africanized honey bee venom is no more dangerous than domestic honey bees. However, these bees will attack in greater numbers, which poses more danger to humans. If an Africanized honey bee hive is suspected, it is recommended to contact a professional bee removal company.

How To Get Rid of Africanized Honey Bees?

Trying to remove an Africanized honey bee hive without proper training and equipment can be extremely dangerous. It is critical to contact a professional pest control service like Florida Pest Control which specializes in bee removal. Experts have the knowledge and tools to safely handle infestations, ensuring both your safety and that of the bees. Contact us today for a free quote.

Africanized Honey Bee Prevention Tips

There are several steps you can take to try to prevent Africanized honey bees from invading your property:

• Inspect your property often for potential nesting sites such as hollow trees, outdoor equipment, or small cavities in structures.
• Seal cracks and openings in walls, roofs, and utility boxes to remove possible entry points.
• Remove debris or clutter around your property that may serve as a nesting location.
• Limit strong floral or sweet scents that may attract bees to your yard.
• Educate family members and neighbors about Africanized honey bees and the risks they pose.

Need Help With Bees, Wasps or Hornets?

If you suspect the presence of Africanized honey bees or other stinging insects on your property, Florida Pest Control is here to help. Our experienced professionals will provide Africanized honey bee identification and expert removal service, ensuring your home or business remains safe. Contact us today for a free estimate or to schedule an inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Africanized bees kill you?

Yes, Africanized honey bees can be deadly in certain situations, especially if they attack in large numbers. While their venom is no more potent than that of European honey bees, they are far more aggressive and likely to sting repeatedly. This can overwhelm the victim. People with allergies to bee stings, children, and the elderly are particularly at risk.

Do Africanized bees make honey?

Yes, Africanized honey bees produce honey just like European honey bees. They are less desirable for commercial beekeeping, though. This is because their aggressive nature and smaller colony size make them unattractive to beekeepers.

Where did Africanized honey bees come from?

Africanized honey bees are a hybrid of African and European honey bees. African bees were brought to Brazil in the 1950s to be crossbred with European honey bees. Before the crossbreeding began, some African bees escaped and bred with European honey bees in the wild.

Where are Africanized bees located?

Africanized honey bees live in the southern United States, including in Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. They are also widespread in Central and South America.

Can Africanized bees sting more than once?

No, like all honey bees, Africanized honey bees can only sting once. Their stinger becomes lodged in the skin, and they die shortly after stinging. However, their heightened aggression means many bees from the colony are likely to sting in a single attack.

How did the Africanized honey bee get to America?

Once the African bees and European honey bees crossbred in the wild, they spread to South and Central America. They then spread to many states in the US.