Many people are curious about “killer bees,” formally known as Africanized honey bees, and their capacity to sting. Their reputation raises questions about their behavior and how they differ from other bees. This article will explore the characteristics that set Africanized honey bees apart.
The Stinging Difference
Honey bees, including the Africanized variety, possess a barbed stinger that remains embedded in the skin of a mammal after a sting. When the bee attempts to pull away, this barbed stinger, along with parts of its internal anatomy, is torn from its body, leading to the bee’s death shortly thereafter. Therefore, an individual Africanized honey bee can only sting once.
The common European honey bee also shares this characteristic, dying after a single sting to a mammal. The perception of “killer bees” stinging multiple times stems from the fact that during an attack, numerous individual Africanized bees will sting, creating the impression that one bee is stinging repeatedly.
Understanding Africanized Honey Bees
Africanized honey bees are a hybrid subspecies resulting from the crossbreeding of African and European honey bees. This hybridization began in Brazil in 1956 when African bees were imported to improve honey production in tropical climates. Some swarms accidentally escaped quarantine in 1957, leading to their spread throughout the Americas. They entered the United States in 1990.
The “killer bee” moniker comes from their highly defensive and aggressive behavior, not from a more potent individual sting. Their venom is not more toxic than that of European honey bees; in fact, it can be slightly less potent. The danger arises because Africanized honey bees are quicker to react to disturbances, often attacking in large numbers and pursuing perceived threats over longer distances, sometimes up to a quarter or even half a mile.
Safety Measures
If you encounter Africanized honey bees, the most effective response is to immediately run away. Move as quickly as possible in a straight line to escape the area. While running, protect your face and head with your hands, arms, or clothing, as bees tend to target these sensitive areas.
Seek immediate shelter in an enclosed space, such as a vehicle or building, where bees cannot easily follow. Do not swat at the bees or flail your arms, as this movement can further agitate them and attract more bees. Avoid jumping into water, as the bees may wait for you to surface. Once safe, remove any stingers by scraping them off with a fingernail or a credit card, rather than pulling them, to avoid squeezing more venom into the skin. If you receive multiple stings or experience symptoms beyond localized pain and swelling, such as difficulty breathing or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.