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 cars, house eaves, barbecue grills and tires — items that are easy to find around a home and yard. One of the first reported Africanized honeybee attacks in the U.S. was from a Texas man who was mowing a lawn and accidentally disturbed an underground hive. Most vulnerable to suffering serious injuries from an attack are children, the elderly and those who have mobility impairments.
Because of the hostile nature of Africanized honeybees, individuals should stay away from any suspected hives or swarms. Many killer bee attacks in the home are a result of homeowners knowing a hive is present, but choosing not to do anything about it.
The best thing an individual can do upon encountering an Africanized honeybee or nest is immediately vacate the home and call a pest control company. Green pest control and pest prevention services can help make your home look less attractive to killer bees in a way that does not risk the safety and health of your family or the environment. Additionally, these professionals can also inspect your home for other nesting areas Africanized bees may find attractive, such as cracks in a wall.
While killer bee stings are as poisonous as the average honeybee’s, it is the number of killer bees in an attacking swarm that makes them dangerous. If you are concerned about Africanized honeybees moving in and around your home, or you suspect an infestation, hire a green pest control company to address your concerns.
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