Coachella Valley Mosquito and
  Vector Control District

General Information

The Africanized Honey Bee (AHB) has migrated into California. The first AHB swarms arrived at the southern border of California in October 1994. AHBs are predicted to continue moving northward into other areas of California that domestic European honey bees (EHBs) now inhabit. It is expected that AHBs will eventually replace unmanaged EHBs.

AHBs look the same and in most ways behave like the EHBs that currently reside in the United States. One very important difference between the two varieties is the aggressive nature of the AHB during periods of a perceived threat. Some AHB attacks, have resulted in death to pets, livestock, and humans This behavior has earned AHBs the common name "Killer Bees".

Difference in AHB Behavior

The Africanized Honey Bee becomes annoyed easily around people and animals. Any colony of bees will defend its hive, but Africanized bees are very defensive. These bees are more likely to sense a threat at greater distances, become more upset with less reason, and sting in much greater numbers.

Some of the differences in behavior that can be seen are:

Vibration or noise - operation of power equipment within 100 feet or more of colony can provoke an attack

Motion - movement within 50 feet of the colony will alert AHB of a possible threat in the area, and can lead to a pursuit

Pursuit Distance - AHBs will chase a perceived threat up to 1/4 mile - 4 football fields while EHBs will normally chase for 100 feet - 1/3 of a football field.

Defensive reaction period - AHBs will remain agitated longer than EHBs after a colony is disturbed. AHBs will remain agitated for 8 or more hours before defensive reaction subsides while EHBs will normally subside defensive actions after 1 or 2 hours.

Reducing AHB Colonies

Homeowners should periodically inspect their property for potential AHB colonies.

AHBs can enter and establish a colony inside any small exterior opening of a house. A homeowner can reduce AHB colonies by: 1) sealing any opening larger than 1/8 inch, such as pipe entrances on walls and where stucco meets brick or wood; 2) repairing or replacing damaged vent screens on foundation and eaves.

AHBs can build colonies on any structure or plant in a yard. A home owner can reduce AHB colonies and make these sites more visible by: 1) trimming overgrown shrubs and trees; 2) removing empty containers and trash, especially tires and boxes; and 3) filling in ground holes.

If You Discover a Swarm or Colony of Bees

AVOID THE AREA. Keep children and pets away from a swarm or colony. NOTIFY a pest control company immediately.  Pest control companies can be found in your telephone directory.

If You are Attacked by Bees

First Aid for Bee Stings

PROTECTING PETS AND LIVESTOCK FROM AFRICANIZED HONEY BEES

When bees defend their colonies, they target furry and dark-colored objects that resemble their natural enemies, such as bears and skunks. Therefore, when bees are disturbed, your pets are likely to be stung. Animals that are penned or tied up near honey bee nests or hives are especially in danger.

DO'S AND DON'TS

Do look for bee colonies around your property regularly. Honey bees nest in a wide variety of sites, such as animal burrows in the ground, water meter boxes, or in overturned flower pots. Sometimes honey bees nest in trees or shrubs. Look for active bees and listen for a buzzing or humming sound in the ground, in trees or shrubs, or in block walls.

Do keep pets and children indoors when using weed eaters, hedge clippers, tractors, power mowers, chain saws, or any other lawn and garden equipment until you are sure that there are no bee nests on your property. Honey bees are sensitive to unusual odors, such as cut grass, and to loud vibrations. Attacks frequently occur when a person is mowing the lawn or pruning shrubs and trees, and inadvertently strikes a bees nest.

Do keep dogs under control when hiking. A dog bounding through the brush is more likely to disturb bees than one following quietly at your heels.

Do not pen, tie, or tether animals near known bee hives or nests. Keep animals away from apiaries and bee nests.

Do not disturb or tease bees, and do not try to remove bees yourself. Do not shoot at, throw rocks at, or pour gasoline onto bee nests; this will irritate the bees. Also, do not attempt to control them with aerosol pesticides.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR ANIMAL IS STUNG

Try to get the animal away from the bees without endangering yourself. Call your animal inside your house or car, or release the animal if it will not harm itself or others nearby. Do not attempt to approach a person or animal being stung without some sort of protection for yourself, because the bees are likely to attack you as well. Remember that an injured animal may bite or attack unexpectedly. If you release penned livestock, be aware that an unrestrained animal may run into the road and be hit by a car or may run away, and if the animal runs to you with irritated bees following it, you are likely to be stung, as well.

Covering the animal with a heavy blanket may discourage the bees.

Once the animal is away from bees, look for stingers. When a honey bee stings it leaves behind its venom sac and stinger. The honey bee dies after it stings, however, the stinger may continue to inject venom. Do not pull them out with tweezers or fingers because you will squeeze more venom out of the venom sac and into the animal. Follow the procedure stated above for removal of stingers.

If your animal has sustained numerous stings, consult your veterinarian. The number of stings an animal can survive depends on its body weight, the amount of venom it received, and whether or not it is allergic to bee venom. As with humans, even one sting may be dangerous if the animal is allergic.