Africanized bees are also known by the alternative name of "killer bees" due to their aggressive nature. At the end of 1950 a biologist in Brazil crossed different types of bees creating a hybrid, precisely the Africanized bee that spread from southern Brazil to Argentina, throughout Central America and further north in the southern areas. of the United States. Determining the difference between the Africanized bee and other common European species is often difficult due to physical similarities. Killer bees are only 10% smaller than normal bees and have the same characteristics. For this reason, to be able to identify them, you need to observe their behavioral patterns.
Steps
Step 1. Check chimneys or cavities to see if you find any nests
These bees nest in many places where normal normal bees don't go. They could also build the hive in empty containers, in the spaces of water meters, in vehicles and old abandoned tires, among the piles of timber, in sheds and sheds.
Step 2. Look for them in swarms
The best time to be able to identify them is when they swarm, in the period from March to July. Bees swarm as a means of reproducing their colonies. In this period the worker bees follow the queen as she moves from the hive. Killer bees usually produce 6-12 swarms in one year.
Step 3. Look for bees that suck pollen in small groups or alone
Africanized bees are more solitary than European bees.
Step 4. Look for bees when they hunt for pollen early in the day or late at night, not in the middle of the day
They can go for pollen early in the morning like normal bees, and often continue well into the evening, regardless of the amount of sunlight.
Advice
- Killer bees reproduce more and have larger swarms than other species. They can have up to 2,000 soldier bees defending a colony, while other bees produce no more than 200.
- They are extremely aggressive. They respond to a threat within 3 seconds, while the others take 30 seconds to become defensive. European bees can follow a victim for about 30 meters. These can chase it up to 400 meters and, from the moment they feel threatened, it can take a couple of days before they calm down, unlike normal bees which after a few hours are already calm.
Warnings
- Don't look for the killer bees. Due to their aggressive nature, they are dangerous. If you suspect that you have been stung by one of them, check for symptoms such as hives, wheezing, or dizziness. If they occur, call an ambulance.
- If you suspect they may be on your property, contact a certified exterminator company.
