The Killer Bees are Here

Killer bees, also known as Africanized bees, have become an unwelcome visitor to south Florida and other states with warmer climates. Africanized bees have earned the nickname “killer bees” from their ferocious attacks on people and animals. They are a more aggressive variety than their cousin the European honey bee and were imported to Brazil in the mid-1950s. After accidentally breeding with local bees, they have progressively moved further north into south Florida and portions of Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico. Unlike regular bees, they are willing to travel up to 60 miles to establish new hives.

Disturbing the Killer Bee

It’s difficult to tell whether a bee is a killer bee unless it is examined by an expert. They are slightly smaller than the European honey bee, but react a lot faster. It’s not the venom of the killer bee that is worse than a regular bee sting. The sheer number of bees in the attacking swarm and resulting number of stings is what makes the killer bee attack so deadly. Bees attack when they are disturbed, but an unintentional disruption of a killer bee hive sends the entire colony to the defense. By comparison, similar disturbance to a European bee hive sends only 10 percent of the colony to attack an intruder. The only safe way to remove killer bees is to call a professional and arrange for beehive removal.

Preventing Injury

To prevent an attack, be sure family members and pets are in the house when you are working outside or using machinery. Sometimes only the vibration of a lawnmower or smoke coming from it can anger bees in the immediate area. Be cautious around unused or older buildings, especially when bees are noticed. When Africanized bees attack, they can find a moving target up to a football field away and chase a victim up to a quarter of a mile. Swarming bees can be seen most often in the Spring when searching for a new home. They are not considered a threat until they stop and establish a hive.

The Ideal Place for a Beehive

Bees will choose a crevice, an empty pot, shrubs, attics, chimneys, walls or any place that will accommodate their new home. Once the queen begins laying eggs, Africanized bees will aggressively defend the colony against any perceived threat. Thousands of bees could be sent out of the hive to defend it. If there is a nest somewhere on your property, it’s important to have the bees removed. A nest inside a wall will continue to grow and honey combs will eventually cause permanent damage to walls and ceilings. Beehive removal should only be attempted by an expert. Both the bees and the hive should be removed so the bees don’t return. If you would like to know more about professional beehive removal services in West Palm Beach, you are encouraged to call the Florida bee expert, Willie the Bee Man at 305-504-8020 in Miami Dade County; 954-719-8700 in Broward County and at 561-544-7474 in Palm Beach County.