Sally Scalera

Brevard County Horticulture Extension Agent
3695 Lake Drive -- Cocoa FL 32926 -- 321-633-1702

Africanized honey bees

March 3, 2007

Recently, I went to a program on Africanized Honey Bees (AHB) and I learned that the AHB are here in Florida to stay. It is important that everyone learn about the AHB so that they can protect themselves, their family, pets and even their neighbors.

Here are some important facts about Africanized Honey Bees (AHB).

  • AHB are the same species as the EHB (European Honey Bee) and therefore has a sting that is no more dangerous or toxic then the EHB.
  • AHB can only sting once.
  • AHB can not be told from EHB just by looking at them (it takes 50-100 bees for ID.)
  • AHB that are foraging to gather nectar will not attack you.
  • AHB swarms are not defensive because they have no honey or young to protect.
  • AHB are more unpredictable than the domesticated EHB.
  • AHB will build their nests in more protected places than EHB like meter and irrigation boxes in the ground, abandoned tires, the side of a house, underneath a palm frond, etc.
  • AHB can produce dangerous numbers of bees rapidly.
  • AHB respond quicker and in larger numbers when the colony is threatened.
  • AHB remain agitated for up to 24 hours.
  • AHB nests can be dangerous if not removed.
  • AHB nests, if not removed correctly, are dangerous for neighbors and bystanders.
  • AHB, when disturbed, will fly 10 times farther and 10 times more bees will attack.
  • AHB will fly 300 yards when disturbed, compared to only 30 yards for EHBs!
  • AHB are more likely to get agitated when the weather is cloudy or rainy.
  • AHB once agitated, will continually attack anything moving (like pets!)
  • Even from 30 feet away, loud equipment like lawn mowers, chainsaws, weedeaters, tractors, etc. can disturb an AHB colony!
  • Who are most at risk from an Africanized Honey Bee attack: small children, elderly, handicapped, surveyors, utility workers, land clearing equipment operators, tethered, chained and confined pets and horses.

Here are some things to be on the lookout for!

  • Bees flying fast and straight in and out of any object or area!
  • If a bee bumps into you – turn around and walk away. It is warning you that if you come any closer it will sting you.
  • Any debris that contains a useable void like tires, gas cans, grills, etc. where AHB can start a colony!
  • Any place where you have seen a paper wasp nest can house an AHB colony!
  • Honey bees going into the ground!

What to do when an AHB colony has been disturbed!

  • First choice: Get inside a closed building or vehicle.
  • Second choice: Get 300 yards away by running as fast as you can for as long as you can and then just keep walking!
  • Bring all children and pets inside.
  • Call 911!
  • If you are working outdoors and away from a building or vehicle then carry a cell phone and an emergency bee veil to protect your face from bee stings while you are running! One such bee veil is called The Sting Shield Insect Veil and it is easy to carry in your pocket. You can find it at http://www.stingshield.com/ for 17.95 plus shipping and handling or you can call them at (504) 563-9447.

What not to do when an AHB colony has been disturbed!

  • Jump into a pool or pond. They will be waiting for you to come up for air!
  • Spray the bees with an insecticide to try and kill them. When bees are threatened or killed they release an alarm pheromone that alerts the entire colony!

For more information on AHB you can go to our website at http://brevard.ifas.ufl.edu/. Look for Africanized Honey Bees in the right hand column of our main page and click there. We have powerpoint programs that can be viewed for First Responders (Firemen and Police) and Outdoor Workers which is also great information for homeowners, athletes, etc.

We will also be offering a class on Africanized Honey Bees on Saturday, April 21st from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Agriculture Center at 3695 Lake Drive in Cocoa. The cost of the class is just $5. Just call us at 633-1702 to sign up for a spot.

This information is important for everyone so, if you have family, friends or neighbors who don’t garden then, cut this article out and make some copies to give to them too!