National Pest Management Association Inc.
Africanized ("Killer") Bees
Apis mellifera scutellata
| Color: |
Golden-yellow with darker bands of brown. |
| Legs: |
6 |
| Shape: |
Oval; bee shape |
| Size: |
1/2 |
| Antennae: |
True |
| Region: |
Arizona, California, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico |
Africanized "killer" bees looks so much like a regular honeybee that the only way to tell the two apart is by measuring their bodies. Africanized bees have different wing measurements than honeybees.
Habits
These bees defend their colony and attack when threatened.
Habitat
Africanized bees have small colonies, so they can build nests in unique places. They have been known to live in tires, crates, boxes, and empty cars.
Threats
Their venom is no more dangerous than regular honeybees-they just tend to attack in greater numbers, which causes more danger to humans.
Prevention:
Because of the aggressive nature of these pests and the enormity of their nests, a pest control professional or beekeeper must address an infestation. If you are chased by Africanized honeybees, run in a zig zag pattern and seek shelter in a house or car.