The Secret Life of Killer Bees
Africanized honeybees, also known as killer bees, are a hostile, invasive species that require the help of a pest control company to eliminate. Their aggressive nature Bed Bug Home Remedies Hydrogen Peroxide has earned them starring roles in movies and television shows, but most individuals know little about these insects or how killer bees ended up in the United States.
Unlike other honeybees, Africanized honeybees will attack at the slightest disturbance in their environment. When they invade a home, it is time to call a pest control company that uses green pest control methods to get rid of killer bees as quickly as possible.
The Release of Killer Bees in the Americas
The story of Africanized honeybees in the Americas begins in 1956, when a team of Brazilian scientists imported Tanzanian queen bees and drones for research purposes. They hoped to breed the African honeybees with European bee species in hopes the offspring would be able to tolerate the warm, humid temperatures and produce more honey.
The scientists in Brazil had special hives made for the African bees so they could not mate outside of the controlled environment. The African bees, however, escaped this area when a substitute beekeeper accidentally released them. The bees began to breed with the Brazilian honeybees and produced Africanized honeybees (aka killer bees). The new bee hybrid spread throughout South America at a rate of 200 miles per year, and Africanized honeybees now make their homes in Central America as well as southern and western states in the United States.
Africanized Honeybees Rodent Infestation Meaning vs. Other Bee Species
What makes Africanized honeybees stand out from other bee species is their hostility. They acquired the name “killer bee: because they attack humans and other animals in their territory, even when unintentionally unprovoked. Hives may get upset by unwanted noises or vibrations felt from a passing car, lawn mower or a person or animal passing by the nest. Unlike other species of bees, colonies of Africanized honeybees can stay agitated for up to 24 hours after being disturbed, and they may attack individuals and animals in their territory during that time.
Several other factors set Africanized honeybees apart from their non-killer counterparts. For example, they are slightly smaller than European honeybees, are known to swarm more than any other type of honeybee and will travel longer distances to attack perceived threats. The hives also have a larger amount of bees whose duty it is to guard the hive. Additionally, the hives are often located within ground cavities. Because they cannot survive long without food or in cold climates, killer bees will migrate or completely relocate a hive when the food supply is low or as a response to high levels of stress in an environment.
When Killer Bees Make Your Home Their Own
Africanized bees are a significant risk to a household when they decide to squat on the property. Along with ground cavities, Africanized honeybees also like to make their home in boxes, crates, empty …