Africanized Pest Facts: Africanized Honey Bees
Description
Africanized Honey bees look 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.
Pest Facts
- Color: Golden-yellow with darker bands of brown.
- Legs: Six
- Shape: Oval; bee shape
- Size: 1/2 inch
- Antennae: Yes
- Flying: Yes
- Region: AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX
Habits
These bees defend their colony and attack in large numbers when threatened.
Habitat
Africanized bees have large 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 should address an infestation. If you are chased by Africanized honeybees, run in a zig-zag pattern and seek shelter in a house or car.
