You will not be able to identify if a bee is “Africanized” by its color, shape, or size. The Africanized honey bee looks and sounds like a European honey bee. Both types of bees sting once, and the effect of the sting is similar.

Bees in white commercial bee boxes (hives) are brought to fields and orchards for pollination. They are not likely to sting when gathering nectar and pollen. Commercial

beekeepers take special precautions to make sure their bees are European honey bees. Additionally, bee keeping and bee transportation are regulated by the government. In spite of these precautions, Africanized honey bees can still be found in fields with European honey bees.

Africanized honey bees are different from the European honey bees in several important ways. Here are some major differences to remember:

Africanized honey bees build nests any place that provides some protection from the weather. They are more likely than European honey bees to nest in open trees, old cars, buildings, pipes, and even underground.

Another key difference is how Africanized honey bees behave when their nest is disturbed. They are very protective of

their young and respond quickly by stinging any intruder in the nest area. They may react to a person merely walking

within 50 feet or more from the nest. Vibrations coming from motorized equipment may disturb the bees at distances of 100 feet or more.

Also, Africanized honey bees may continue their defense of the nest for a ¼ mile or more. In some cases, their active defense of the nest has lasted for several hours.

WHAT TO DO (If a Bee Nest is Disturbed)

GET OUT OF THE AREA AS FAST AS POSSIBLE.

Stingers remain in the skin leaving an odor that will attract more bees to sting in the same spot.

PROTECT HEAD, EYES, NOSE, AND MOUTH.

Pull your jacket or shirt up over your head to protect your face without slowing your progress.

RUN TO SHELTER (VEHICLE OR BUILDING).

Get to shelter if available. Some bees may follow you in, but you will be protected from the vast majority outside.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL CARE IF NEEDED.

Although the toxicity of the Africanized bee is no greater than a normal honey bee, seek attention if breathing is troubled,

if stung numerous times or if allergic to bee stings.

BEE AWARE OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM STINGING INSECTS.

AFRICANIZED HONEY BEE POTENTIAL HIVE LOCATIONS

• storage shed
• bird house
• wood pile
• cinder blocks
• empty containers
• flower pots
• chimney
• roof vents
• eaves
• rain gutter
• wheel barrow
• air conditioner
• barbeque grill
• weed eaters / lawnmowers

BEE AWARE OF:

• mailboxes
• culverts
• meter boxes
• attics