Africanized Honey Bees in Central Arkansas
Often sensationalized in the media as the “killer bee,” the Africanized honey bee is a hybrid of African and European bee subspecies. While they closely resemble the more familiar domestic honey bees, they have established themselves throughout warmer regions of the United States, including areas of California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Florida.
Africanized Honey Bee Habitat
Africanized honey bees are less choosy about their nesting sites compared to European honey bees. They often set up colonies in unconventional locations like inside water meter boxes, cement blocks, or even old barbeque grills. They have also been spotted nesting directly on tree branches, unlike their European relatives who favor larger, more secluded spaces like tree cavities or chimneys. The abundance of unintentional nesting sites provided by human environments explains why these bees are frequently encountered.
Africanized Honey Bee Behavior, Threats, or Dangers
Africanized honey bees pose a notable safety risk due to their aggressive nature, especially if their nests are disturbed. They are quick to react to loud noises, vibrations, and large, dark-moving objects near their colonies. Their defensive behavior extends up to 150 feet from the nest, and they can chase a perceived threat for over 500 feet. This poses a significant risk, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with mobility issues. While the venom of Africanized honey bees is no more harmful than that of domestic bees, their tendency to attack in larger numbers increases the potential for harm.
If an Africanized honey bee hive is suspected, it is recommended to contact a professional bee removal company.
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