Pest Guide: Africanized Killer Bees

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(Apis mellifera scutellata)
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.

Size Color Legs Shape Antenanae
1/2″ Yellow/Gold with Dark Brown Bands 6 Oval True

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.

Habits:

These bees defend their colony and attack when threatened.

Control / 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.

Threats:

Their venom is no more dangerous than regular honeybees-they just tend to attack in greater numbers, which causes more danger to humans.

Photos

sting1a

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