Myths and Truths about Killer Bees

Occasionally during a nuc transfer or when someone purchases one of our products, I've been asked about killer bees. There is a lot of false information about killer bees out there, so I'm going dispel any myths about them and give some advice on what to do during a killer bee encounter.

What Are Killer Bees?

Africanized honey bees, as they are officially called, came from Brazil in the 1950's when a set of scientists were studying African bees in order to boost honey production among the native bee species. African bees are much smaller but more aggressive than their European cousins. In a freak accident, 17 queens were accidentally released into the wild. It was believed that since they don't store an excess of honey, that they would eventually die off. Unfortunately, the queens bred with the local species, making a very adaptable species of bee. They retained their aggression from the African species while inheriting the size, and ironically, the honey storing capabilities of the European species.

The Myths and Truths of the Killer Bee

Contrary to its name, the killer bee does not maliciously seek out targets to kill, as some have been led to believe. The term "killer bee" simply comes from the bee's aggression. When left alone, it acts like any other regular European honey bee. The difference comes when it is disturbed. While regular European bees will send a few guards to attack, the Africanized bee will send thousands of guards. They are also known to pursue their threats. If you move even a few yards away from a European hive, the bees will leave you alone. Africanized bees will chase you for up to half a mile.

Another myth is that killer bees have more poisonous stings than their European counterparts. This is absolutely not true. Their stings are the same as any regular honey bee. The myth came about when victims of killer bee attacks were admitted to hospitals with far worse injuries than a regular bee attack. The reason for this is simply the sheer number of stings sustained, rather than the potency of the sting itself. If you are stung by only one killer bee, it is no worse than being stung by a European bee.

There is also a myth floating around about Africanized honey bees killing thousands of people on their path of destruction. This is absolutely false. Killer bees are responsible for the deaths of less than a hundred people in the entire time of its existence. However, thousands of pets and livestock have fallen to killer bees, mostly due to the fact that they are contained with nowhere to escape in the event of an attack.

Are You at Risk?

Unfortunately, if you live in California or any of the southern-most states, you are at risk to encounter killer bees. Arizona and Texas are the two states with the highest populations, but they have been found in southern Utah and south Florida as well. Unfortunately, the Africanized honey bee is very difficult to distinguish from a regular, non-aggressive European bee, so be careful when approaching any wild hive.

This graphic shows the spread of Africanized honey bees from the early 90's to the early 00's. Today, they are throughout Louisiana and the lower parts of the South as well.

What to Do During an Attack

Fortunately, killer bees do give you a warning before they attack. The guards will fly directly at you and slam into your face. This is a sign that you are about to be attacked. However, if you are attacked, do not freeze. Run as fast as you can for shelter. One popular theory about killer bees is that they will wait for you to surface if you head for water and hide there. This is actually true, so going for a water source will not do you any good. In any case, once you are free from the attack, get to the hospital as quick as you can. As illustrated, killer bee attacks can potentially be far more deadly than a regular bee attack.

How You Can Help

When all is said and done, you shouldn't worry about encountering killer bees. You are more likely to be killed by a drunk driver than attacked by Africanized honey bees. However, it doesn't mean you shouldn't be cautious. But the question is this: can killer bees be stopped? The answer is hopeful: YES! The simple solution is flooding their foraging grounds with European honey bees. The sheer numbers of the European bees prevents them from being able to compete with them. In fact, that is one way that Utah has prevented a huge entry into the state. They set up European hives all across the Arizona and Nevada borders to prevent killer bees crossing into the state. As a result, only two recorded attacks have ever occurred in Utah.

Because of this simple solution, it means that you can help too! You can start your own non-aggressive and non-invasive European honey bee colony in your backyard, or participate in the "Just Bee-Cause" Hive Sponsorship Program. This way, the threat of the so-called "killer bee" can be diminished in your area.

Here is a fascinating video about killer bees and how they are removed:

Though it is difficult to tell Africanized honey bees from European honey bees, the University of Florida did a study on how to identify the differences between attack patterns and hive placements.