Honey Bees

Africanized and European Honey Bees

•     Look the same.
•     Protect their nest and sting in defense .
•     Can sting only once.
•     Have the same venom .
•     Pollinate flowers.
•     Produce honey and wax.

Africanized Honey Bees

•     Respond quickly and sting in large numbers
•     Can sense a threat from people or animals 50 feet or more from nest
•     Sense vibrations from power equipment 100 feet or more from nest
•     Will pursue an enemy 1/4 mile or more
•     Swarm frequently to establish new nests
•     Nest in small cavities and sheltered areas

AHB nest in many locations where people may encounter them. Nesting sites include: empty boxes, cans, buckets or other containers; old tires; infrequently use vehicles; lumber piles; holes and cavities in fences, trees or the ground; sheds, garages and other outbuildings; and low decks or spaces under buildings. Remove potential nest sites around buildings. Be careful wherever bees may be found.

General Precautions

• Listen for buzzing indicating a nest or swarm of bees
• Use care when entering sheds or outbuildings where bees may nest
• Examine work area before using lawn mowers, weed cutters, and other power equipment
• Examine areas before tying up or penning pets or livestock
• Be alert when participating in all outdoor sports and activities
• Don’t disturb a nest or swarm - contact a pest control company or an emergency response organization
• Teach children to be cautious and respectful of all bees
• Check with a doctor about bee sting kits and procedures if sensitive to bee stings
• Develop a safety plan for your home and yard

Bee-Proofing Your Home

• Remove possible nesting sites around home and yard
• Inspect outside walls and eaves of home and outbuildings
• Seal openings larger than 1/8” in walls, around chimneys and plumbing
• Install fine screens (1/8” hardware cloth) over tops of rain spouts, vents and openings in water meter/utility boxes
• From spring to fall check once or twice a week for bees entering or leaving the same area of your home or yard
• Contact Hyde's Termite and Pest Control for an inspection of any suspicious hives or swarms.

As a general rule, stay away from all honey bee swarms and colonies. If bees are encountered, get away quickly. While running away, try to protect face and eyes as much as possible. Take shelter in a car or building. Water or thick brush does not offer enough protection. Do not stand and swat at bees; rapid motions will cause them to sting.

What To Do If Stung

• Go quickly to a safe area
• Remove stinger as soon as possible
• Don’t squeeze stinger; pressure will release more venom
• Scrape stinger out with fingernail, knife blade or credit card
• Wash sting area with soap and water like any other wound
• Apply ice pack for a few minutes to relieve pain and swelling
• Seek medical attention if breathing is troubled, if stung numerous times or if allergic to bee stings

Contributions of European Honey Bees

• Provide 80% of the bee pollination required for fruit, vegetables, flowers and seed crops
• Pollinate forage crops such as alfalfa and clover which are fed to dairy and meat animals
• Produce honey, wax and other products

Contact Hyde's Termite to schedule an inspection!