Physical Characteristics

Honey bee workers range from 1/2 to 5/8 in length, with orangish-brown to black bodies covered with hair, which grows most densely on the thorax like a fur coat, but also around the large compound eyes. Wings are translucent. The abdomens can be banded, but there’s always a stinger at the end. The hind legs are enlarged. Africanized honey bees look no different than familiar bees to the untrained eye, and it takes an expert to differentiate the two types of bees. Note: Many stinging insects thought to be bees are actually yellowjackets, a type of wasp.

Bee_EuropeanHoney-AfricanizedHoney

Africanized Honey Bee

Behavior:

Most honey bees are not aggressive – they will attack only whenever their colony is threatened. But Africanized honey bees can be much more aggressive, and will sting without being provoked; swarms of these bees can be dangerous. Africanized bees will chase a target for over 300 feet, or the length of a football field; European bees will only pursue a victim for up to 33 feet.

Treatment:

Bees are beneficial insects that pollinate flowers and produce honey. If you suspect that the bees in your yard might be overly aggressive, your Clark technician can advise you on the best method of treatment. And if bees should build their hive in the walls or other parts of your structure, the hive should be removed before honey stains your walls or attracts other pests.