Killer Bees Attacks

Africanized Honey Bees

How can I reduce the chance Africanized honey bees will attack me if they are around me?

As the number of Africanized bee colonies increases in an area, so, too, does the likelihood of human and animal encounters with them. Serious human injury can be avoided if the habits of Africanized bees are learned and precautions taken.

• Wear light-colored clothing. Bees tend to attack dark things. Dark clothing, dark hair, any thing dark in color could draw the animus of AHB.
  
  
• Bees are sensitive to odors, both pleasant and unpleasant. The smell of newly cut grass has been shown to disturb honey bees. Avoid wearing floral or citrus aftershaves or perfume.
  
  
• Check your house and yard at least once a month to see if there are any signs of bees taking up residence. If you do find a swarm or colony, leave it be and keep family and pets away. Find a pest control company or a local beekeeper to solve the problem.
  
  
• To help prevent honey bees from building a colony in your house or yard, fill all cracks and crevices in walls with steel wool and caulk. Remove piles of refuse, honey bees will nest in an old soda can or an overturned flower pot. Fill holes in the ground.
  
  
• When hiking, avoid hiking off trails. Bring some bug spray, bee spray, a GPS, and your cell phone with you just in case.
  
  
• Be alert for bees acting strangely. If one or two start to bump at you, especially at your head, take notice and possibly vacate the vicinity.
  

Common Questions:

• How can I avoid an encounter with unfriendly Africanized honey bees?
• How can I reduce the chance Africanized honey bees will attack me if they are around me?
• How can I escape an attack if I am attacked by Africanized honey bees?
• Facts about Africanized honey bees
• Readers' stories of killer bees
  Have you had a problem with Africanized honey bees? Send us your story.

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