Africanized Honey Bees

Continuing mass media reports about Africanized honeybee attacks on people in Southern California have heightened concern about the insect and the danger it poses to humans. At least 10 Californians have been injured during the past three years by Africanized bees; no one in California has been killed since the bees first arrived in the state in 1994. The Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner has set up an information and reporting hot line at (888) 220 BEES.

Africanized honeybees are not predators – they don't fly around seeking out something to attack. Africanized honeybees attack in response to a threat to their nest. Although many people are highly allergic to bee venom, most people can absorb several stings with only itchy, uncomfortable swelling results.

Africanized and European honeybees look the same, protect their nest, sting in defense, can only sting once, have the same venom, pollinate flowers and produce honey. Since the less aggressive European honeybee looks the same as an Africanized honeybee, all bee swarms and colonies must be treated with caution.

The bees are different in that Africanized honey bees respond more quickly and sting in larger numbers, can sense a threat 50 feet or more from the nest, sense vibrations from power equipment 100 feet or more from the nest; will pursue an enemy ¼ mile or more away, swarm more frequently to establish new nests, and, nest in small cavities and sheltered areas closer to the ground. Their highly defensive behavior along with reports from South America of deaths due to bee stings has earned them the name of "killer bees."

General precautions include: listening for buzzing indicating a nest or swarm, using care when entering sheds or outbuildings where bees may nest; and examining the work area before using lawn mowers, line trimmers and other power equipment.

If bees are encountered, get away quickly. While running away, try to protect the face and eyes. Take shelter in a car or building; water or thick brush does not offer protection. Do not stand and swat at bees; rapid motions will cause them to sting.

Bees are slow flyers and most healthy people can outrun them. Run away in a straight line avoiding other people, or they, too, may come under attack.

For more information or to report multiple bee stings contact the Ventura County Agricultural Commission, 916 W. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo CA 93010 (805) 388-2727. You may also contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, or the California Department of Health Services, 714/744 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.