Africanized Honey Bees are the same species as the
familiar European honey bees (EHB) used to produce honey and
pollinate crops, but a different subspecies. They are called "Africanized Honey Bees" (abbreviated AHB) because
they are the result of interbreeding between European bees and
bees from Africa inadvertently released in Brazil in the 1950's.
They have also been referred to as "Killer Bees" in
the media because of their increased defensive behavior.
The southern part of Africa. They were brought to southern
Brazil, and have since spread as far south as Northern Argentina,
and northward throughout South and Central America, and Mexico.
They entered the United States in southern Texas in 1990, Arizona
and New Mexico in 1993, and California in 1994.
Map of AHB colonized area in California
This map is compiled by the California Dept. of Food and
Agriculture (current as of 2005); you will need Acrobat
Reader to view it. Updates, if any, can be found on CDFA's
site
During 1999, there were finds in most areas of Imperial, San
Diego, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties,
southern Kern County and Ventura County. In these areas, the
density of Africanized bees is likely to increase, and they may
continue to spread northward in California. In 2000 the known
distribution changed little, but there were finds further into
Kern County, and in late 2001 there was a find of foraging bees
(colony not located) in Tulare County.
Many people expect AHB to be larger and very distinctive,
but in fact they look nearly identical to the (EHB) honey bees
we have long had in California.
Honey bees are about 3/4 inch long, brownish, and a little
fuzzy. Their nests are normally hidden in cavities. Less fuzzy
insects with bright yellow and black markings, or with grey paper
nests are probably wasps, not bees. Larger bees are not honey
bees.
AHB can be distinguished from EHB by measurements under a
microscope, and by analysis of their DNA. The California Department
of Agriculture identifies Africanized bees as they enter new
areas. After an area is well colonized, though, it is assumed
that all honey bees not under the care of a beekeeper should
be treated as Africanized bees.
Beekeepers will continue to keep European honey bees in their
hives (the familiar white boxes) so these are not a threat if
well maintained. In fact, EHB provide the best defense against
AHB, by providing competition, and genetic dilution since new
AHB queens may mate with EHB males.
Stinging: Africanized bees defend their colonies
much more vigorously than do European bees. The colonies are
easily disturbed (sometimes just by being nearby). When they
do sting, many more bees may participate, so there is a danger
of receiving more stings. This can make them life threatening,
especially to people allergic to stings, or with limited capacity
to escape (the young, old, and handicapped), and to confined
livestock or pets. Once disturbed AHB will continue the attack
for a long distance.
Swarming and nesting: Africanized bee colonies are
likely to be more common than European bees have been, and they
swarm more frequently. They nest in places European bees did
not, including small cavities near the ground like water meter
boxes or overturned flower pots.
Most people will probably never see a colony of Africanized
bees. However, the following things may reduce the impact of
these bees have on you.
Bee proofing: Look for cracks and holes in your house
that might lead to wall voids or other cavities a colony could
occupy. Screen or caulk these holes, or fill the cavity with
insulation, and bees will not move in. Clean up debris (tires,
pots) that might provide nesting sites on your property.
Be alert: Look before disturbing vegetation. Many bees
coming and going from a single spot (not just many bees at flowers)
may indicate a nest.
Get help: Contact trained and equipped personnel (see
"bee removal" in the Yellow Pages) if you discover
a honey bee colony. Don't try to remove them alone.
If stung: First, get away, run to shelter of a car
or building, and stay there even if some bees come in with you
(there are more outside). Do not jump in water (bees will still
be in the area when you come up). Once safe, remove stings from
your skin, it does not matter how you do it, as quickly as possible
to reduce the amount of venom they inject.
Africanized
Honey Bee Information In Brief
Where they came from
Where they are now
How they are recognized
Problems they cause
What you can do
Africanized Bee Facts
First discovery of Africanized
bees by state:
Texas
October 1990
New Mexico
October 1993
Arizona
June 1993
California
October 1994
Nevada
April 1999
