7/2/2013 - By Harrell's

Derek Roach from Pro Pacific Bee provides the following information on Africanized 'Killer' Bees in the U.S.
derek@propacificbee.com

It took about 33 years for Africanized Honeybees to spread north from their accidental release in Brazil in 1957 to the Texas border. Now, Africanized bees have been recorded in 11 states with the most recent confirmed location being in eastern Tennessee. Other states include Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida, California, Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia and Utah.

But what sets this honeybee apart from its counterparts to be given with the infamous title of “Killer Bee”. In comparison by physical appearance, an Africanized honeybee has no obvious differences than its cousin, the European honeybee.  In fact, the venom of both insects is no more potent than the other. DNA testing is required to correctly identify the type of bee.

Where the similarities start to divide is in behavioral characteristics and habits.

While both of these bees are pollen-collecting, honey-producing insects, they have different approaches to defending colonies and developing their hive. The timeframe that these two bees remain with a developed hive varies drastically.  Africanized bees abscond from nests more often, as much as 10 or more times a year, compared to the 1 or 2 times from European bees. Occasionally, killer bees will completely abandon a nesting location because of stress.

Also, Africanized bees are much more aggressive when protecting their colony and will pursue victims for larger distances. A slight noise or motion near the hive can cause an attack of several hundred from an Africanized colony. European colonies can also be provoked but a more substantial disturbance or threat is needed and only about 10-20 bees from the hive will attack.

The spread of Africanized bees in the United States progressed quickly from their initial entrance in 1990 until about 2003.Geographic barriers and climate has slowed the expansion of these bees in other areas of the U.S.  This limitation has spurred bee apiarists to move to harsher climates to avoid possible African bee contamination while breeding bees.

Bee attacks are common in confirmed Africanized territories and are occasionally fatal. Being familiar with this type of bees’ behavior and common nesting location can help prevent unwarranted attacks. Bee hives located within areas known to contain aggressive bees should always be treated as if it was an Africanized colony. A bee control specialist is recommended to remove an unwanted hive from residential or commercial structures.

Below is an informational graphic that illustrates the migration and behavior of Africanized “killer” bees in the U.S.