S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Stinging and Biting » Africanized Honeybees:

Africanized Honeybees
Apis mellifera scutellata
Color: Golden-yellow with darker bands of brown.
Legs: Six
Shape: Oval; bee shape
Size: 1/2"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes

Africanized Honeybees or "killer" bees look so much like a domestic honeybee that only an expert making numerous microscopic measurements can tell the two apart. Africanized Honeybees have different wing measurements than honeybees. The difference, however, becomes readily apparent in the aggressiveness. These bees defend their colony and attack when threatened.

Africanized bees have small colonies, so they can build nests in unique places. They have been known to live in tires, crates, boxes, and empty cars. Their venom is no more dangerous than regular honeybees. The threat is that they tend to attack in greater numbers, which causes more danger to humans.

In the United States, the Africanized Honeybee have established from Texas and as far west as southern California. The Nebraska area is not a threat as of yet. But it is important to keep them in mind, because they are spreading. In the wild, honeybees most often nest inside cavities of trees, caves and cracks in rock formations. But occasionally, a colony will nest inside in a home in places such as a crawl space, an attic, a wall void, or a chimney.

Prevention:

Because of the aggressive nature of Africanized Honeybees and the large of their nests, a pest control professional must address an infestation. If you are chased by Africanized honeybees, run in a zigzag pattern and seek shelter in a house or car.

Be alert for bees coming in and out of an opening such as a crack in a wall, or the hole in a utility box.
Listen for the hum of an active bee colony.
Look for bees in holes in the ground, trees or sheds.

It is important to seek professional pest management services to address an infestation.

If you would like to make an appointment with S & W Pest Management, please fill out the online appointment form or call 1-877-989-BUGS.