Author:
Alice Brown
Date Of Creation:
23 May 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
African honey bees (AMPs) have earned the nickname "killer bees" due to their aggressive nature. Honeybee hybrids were crossed by biologists from Brazil in the late 1950s, and AMPs spread from Brazil south to Argentina, throughout Central America and north to the lower United States. Distinguishing AMPs from traditional European insects is usually very difficult due to physical similarities. AMPs are only 10% smaller than conventional honey bees and share the same distinctive features. Therefore, in order to detect them, it is necessary to study their behavior model.
Steps
1 Check pipes and intertwining spaces for holes. AMP make nests in several places, ordinary bees do not. Other possible nesting sites are abandoned containers, water meters, old cars, tires, lumber, outbuildings, sheds. 
2 Look for a swarm of bees. There are good chances of detecting AMP at the beginning of the season, from March to July. Bees swarm to reproduce their colonies. The worker bees follow the queen from the hive at this time. AMPs typically produce 6 to 12 swarms per year. 
3 Look for bees that do not feed on pollen in groups, but singly. African bees are more individual than European bees. 
4 Look for bees that fly out to hunt for pollen early in the day or late at night, rather than mid-day. They can be seen looking for pollen in the early morning and late evening, regardless of the amount of sunlight.
Tips
- AMPs are very aggressive. They will react to threats for 3 seconds, while normal bees need 30 seconds to take up defensive positions. European bees pursue their prey at a distance of 30 yards (27 m). AMPs can chase about ¼ mile (0.4 km). AMPs can remain anxious for several days, as opposed to several hours in normal bees.
- AMPs create swarms much larger than other honeybees. They can have up to 2,000 soldiers in their colony, while other bees have 1 / 10th of the total.
Warnings
- You should not look for AMPs because of their aggressiveness, they are dangerous. If you suspect you have been stung by an AMP, look for symptoms such as hives, shortness of breath, and dizziness. If they are, call an ambulance.
- If you suspect an AMP is present in your area, contact a qualified pest control officer or your local health office.
