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Killer Bees

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Do killer bees actually exist or are they just the product of a horror movie? According to the web site Sting Shield, killer bees (a.k.a. "Africanized honeybees" (AHB) or "Africanized bees"), are a result of pure African bees (that were imported to South America in 1956) breeding with local Brazilian honeybees. How did this happen? Generally, is it just stated that some of the African bees managed to escape. But, take a look at George Johnson's web site On Science for a more detailed account.

Where are killer bees found? They originated in Brazil, but are migrating throughout North (present geographical distribution of killer bees in the US), Central and South America. Amazingly, they have managed to migrated from their birthplace, Sao Paulo Brazil, to the southern US in less than 35 years! They resemble the native European honeybee so much so that the average observer will find it impossible to distinguish between the two.

Killer bees move to a new location by swarming - the original queen leaves the hive with half the population in search of a new nesting placing. Where do they nest or set up a new colony? Anywhere - they are not particular. Hollow trees, attics, trashcans, old cars or tires. Their ability to nest anywhere is one reason why they have proliferated or reproduced so quickly. Other possible factors include frequent swarming to set up new colonies, living on sparse supply of nectar and pollen and easily moving the whole colony if the nesting area becomes uninhabitable.

Are killer bees "killers"? Killer bees have killed animals and humans. But their venom is no more deadly then the native honeybee. The difference is that Africanized honeybees are more aggressive. They attack in greater number and pursue intruders for longer distances resulting in a greater number of stings, which may lead to death. Researchers have been successful in isolating the "mean gene" of killer bees, which may allow researchers to reduce the spread of Africanized traits.

Bees produce honey and pollinate crops, both multi million dollar industries. What effect(s) have killer bees had on these industries? The article, Agricultural Impact of Africanized Honeybees in Sinaloa, Mexico discusses some of the consequences of Africanized bees moving into the area. These include reduction in the amount of honey produced, entire colonies leaving the hive and increase costs in maintaining the hives due to the aggressiveness of the bees.