Biology

Africanized honey bees were first introduced when Brazilian scientists attempted to breed honey bees better adapted to the South American climate.  Some of these bees escaped and began multiplying and spreading throughout the region.  Today, they can be found in several of the US's southern states.

These bees are more agreesive than native honey bees, and though their venom is no more powerful than native honey bees, they attack in greater numbers which can result in serious injury including death -- hence the name, "killer bees." The aggressiveness of these bees is evident in the way that they defend their nests.  Truman's Scientific Guide to Pest Management Operations states that "the defensive zone of attack around Africanized honey bee nests is up to 100 feet."  Other species of bees respond defensively to near or direct contact with the nest itself.

Avoiding Attacks

Knowing where AHBs live and how they attack is important in avoiding attacks.  AHBs are not as picky when it comes to finding a place to nest as many domestic bees are.  They will inhabit "a variety of natural and man-made objects , including hollow trees, walls, porches, sheds, attics, utility boxes, garbage containers and abandoned vehicles." (DesertUSA)  Keep a lookout for places around your home that have bee activity.  You can also listen for the sounds of bee activity in walls and other areas.

Sometimes, when AHBs are behaving defensively, a couple of bees may fly by the threat and bump the threat.  If you notice this type of behavior, you have attracted the attention of the bees and may be in danger of an attack.  Remove yourself from the area and call a beekeeper or pest management professional.

Responding to an Attack

If you are attacked, it is important to cover your face and head.  Injuries sustained to the rest of your body will be less serious than those sustained to your head and face.  AHBs have a reputation for chasing victims long distances before giving up on the attack.  With this in mind, you need to find shelter as soon as possible.  Look for a building or vehicle with closed windows and doors for safety.  If no shelter is available, keep running until the bees give up chase.  Another thing to note is that AHBs have been observed waiting on a victim to surface after jumping in water for refuge.  So, if you have a choice between jumping in a pool and running, it is probably the safer bet to run as far as you can as fast as you can.

Summary

AHBs have earned a reputation for being fierce attackers.  They attack with large numbers and with persistence.  However, it is possible to keep the AHB threat to a minimum around your home and avoid dangerous attacks.  If you keep a vigilant, watchful eye on your surroundings, you'll be able to identify when bees are active in your area.  Then, with the help of a pest management professional or a beekeeper, you can make sure that bees do not feel welcome in and around your home.

Resources

For more information on Africanized honey bees, feel free to consult the two sources we used to help write this article.

1) Truman's Scientific Guide to Pest Management Operations, Sixth Edition

2) DesertUSA.com (http://www.desertusa.com/mag98/sep/stories/kbees.html)