Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Honey Bees In and Around Buildings
University of Florida Extension – Bee-Proofing for Florida Citizens

Africanized Honey Bee

The first introduction of the Africanized Honey Bee into the U.S. occurred in the fall of 1990 in south Texas. This bee, a hybrid from the African honey bee queens that originally escaped from a researcher in Brazil in 1957, had been moving northward slowly for several years as the bees swarmed and absconded. Africanized Honey Bees (AHB) will reflect these behavioral traits more often and more readily than the European Honey Bee (EHB). Texas Apiary Inspection had an aggressive approach to monitoring and regulating commercial honey bee movement in an attempt to slow the spread of AHB in the state. Natural migration of the bees proceeded until by August of 2006, AHB had been detected in 163 of the 254 counties in Texas.

The most important thing people need to realize is the fact that the AHB is just a slightly different honey bee. AHB looks the same, only being microscopically smaller than the EHB. The venom is the same. The behavior can differ.

Habits of AHB

• Less fussy about choosing a home, may be closer to ground, loves water meters, abandoned bee hives
• Swarm and abscond more readily
• More aggressive and more defensive

What Can Cause AHB Reactions

• Vibration of equipment – tractor, mower, weed eater, chain saws
• Pedestrian activity close to hive – does not have to touch hive
• Frantic animals can provoke bees
• Loud noises

Prevent Stinging Incidents

• Bee proof your home – seal and caulk all cracks and small holes in siding, eaves, corners
• Clean up all yard debris and abandoned equipment
• Screen over vents, chimneys, large openings
• Patrol area before mowing or yard work. Colonies can move during the day while you are at work.
• Teach children awareness of their surroundings

 What to do if Attacked

A – Alert others in the area
C – Cover head and face, do not block vision
E – Exit get into car or house immediately, do not stop to find bee colony, do not waste time

• Remain calm – keep presence of mind if operating equipment or machinery
• Dial 911 for serious incidents
• If allergic to bee stings, carry an Epi-Pen as prescribed by personal physician
• Remove stingers by scraping with knife or fingernail