See also: [About Africanized Honey Bees]
[Prevention, Precaution & Removal]

Dispelling Myths

MYTH - Africanized honey bees are larger and darker than common honey bees.
FACT - AHB can not be positively identified except through microscopic or genetic analyses. Visually, EHB and AHB look exactly the same. Only their behavior is different.

MYTH - Africanized bees can kill you with one sting.
FACT - The venom in a sting from an AHB is no more toxic than the venom from any other bee. In fact, EHB inject slightly more venom per sting than AHB. But, as more AHB's sting in an attack situation, a victim can easily receive a lethal dose of venom. The average healthy adult can sustain hundreds of stings before a lethal dose of venom is received, however, young, elderly, or immune suppressed individuals are more at risk. Allergic individuals can be at risk from just one sting, be it AHB or EHB.

MYTH - AHB are killers - they search out people to sting!
FACT - AHB are more defensive than EHB. They show an increased sensitivity to potential threats to their nests and will respond and sting in greater numbers. Remember, EHB have been breed for centuries for docility and ease of handling. AHB are derived from a wild African strain whose defensive tendencies led to increased nest survival in the wild.

MYTH - If you see bees buzzing around flowers, you should run!
FACT - Foraging bees are only seeking pollen and nectar. Away from their nests, AHB will behave similar to EHB and will only sting if physically threatened. The best advice is to just leave them alone. It is only necessary to run if you are being chased by large numbers of bees defending their nest.

MYTH - A group of bees in flight are on the attack.
FACT - Swarms of bees are commonly seen in the spring and/or fall months. A swarm is a reproductive unit in which a queen and a large group of worker bees are in search of a new nesting site. AHB will swarm more frequently, potentially 5-8 times per year compared to once or twice per year for EHB. At this time they are comparatively docile as there is not a nest to defend. Swarms may be seen in flight or resting in vegetation, or on walls, and will generally move on within 48 hours. If the bees have started producing honeycomb, the young nest should be removed by a Vector Control District or a Private Pest Control Operator. Never attempt to remove bees yourself.

Africanized honey bees are going to be a permanent part of our future. Learning about AHB, their biology, behaviors, and preferences will provide the tools necessary for our coexistance.