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An attack by Africanised honey bees, known as "killer bees", left one man dead and another critically injured. What makes these insects so deadly?
Africanized honeybees are no worse or more dangerous than African honeybees, which are kept by apiculturists all over the continent. They simply demand more care and a wider birth than the European bees.
Africanized killer bee venom is no more dangerous than that of regular honeybees. However, these bees tend to attack in greater numbers, which causes more danger to humans. If under attack by an Africanized honeybee, run quickly away in a zig zag pattern and seek shelter indoors or in a car as soon as possible.
Africanized honeybees have killed people, and they are especially dangerous to those who are allergic to bee venom as well as to those who cannot move away from them quickly, such as young children, older adults, and people who have mobility issues. They may also be dangerous to livestock and pets.
Africanized Bees and the Varroa Mite. Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) are considered the most serious threat to European honey bee colonies (De Jong et al 1982). However the interaction of Africanized bees with Varroa mites is strikingly different from that of European bees.
Although Africanized honey bees do not actively search for humans to attack, they are more dangerous because they are more easily provoked, quicker to attack in greater numbers, and then pursue the perceived threat farther, for as much as a quarter of a mile (400 metres).
Africanized honey bees can be a public health concern because they are more likely to sting than “typical” honey bees. Like their European counterparts, however, Africanized honey bees will usually become defensive only when provoked or guarding their nest.
No. The sting and venom of an Africanized honey bee is nearly identical to that of a European bee. The venom from any honey bee may cause swelling, irritation, and temporary pain, but it is not fatal unless the person is allergic to honey bees.
Damage done: Africanized Honey Bees (=Killer Bees) are dangerous because they attack intruders in numbers much greater than European Honey Bees. Since their introduction into Brazil, they have killed some 1,000 humans, with victims receiving ten times as many stings than from the European strain.
Although they are often referred to as killer bees, the correct term is Africanized honey bees. Another common mistake is describing them as aggressive. Their behavior is actually defensive - they react to human invasion of their environment and defend themselves/their nest when necessary.