U.S. Department of the Interior Saguaro National Park Service
Saguaro National Park
General Information European and Africanized honey bees Although nicknamed “killer bees”, are not native to the Americas. In fact, Africanized honey bees do not roam there are no native honey bees found around searching for something to kill. here. In an effort to increase honey However, they can be extremely ag- production and bee survival in tropical gressive when defending their colony. regions, an experiment to cross the In an Africanized honey bee attack, a mild mannered but less productive larger number of bees will attack the European honey bee, Apis mellifera, perceived threat, and in many cases, with the aggressive but more produc- the attack lasts longer and covers more tive African race, Apis mellifera distance than that of European honey scutellata, was begun in Sao Paulo, bees. Many victims of Africanized Brazil in 1956. Shortly after the experi- honey bee attacks have suffered hun- ment began, several colonies of the dreds of stings, a few have been stung “Africanized” bees escaped captivity several thousand times. and began to expand their range and population. The first sightings of Although frightening to humans, a Africanized honey bees in the United swarm of bees in flight or resting on a States were reported in late 1990. By tree or bush is not a threat. Single bees 1993, Africanized honey bees had made out collecting pollen or water are also their way into Arizona. not a threat. Africanized honey bees protecting their colony are a serious threat to anyone nearby.
Within Saguaro National Park, wild bee colonies are quite common. Park biologists estimate that hundreds of bee colonies call Saguaro National Park home. All of these colonies are now considered to be Africanized. Since Africanized honey bees are virtually indiscernible from their European counterparts, park visitors encounter- ing aggressive bees should always treat them with respect and leave the area immediately. Prevention While hiking, be on the alert. Listen However, if you approach an estab - for bees and watch for them entering lished Africanized bee colony, the or exiting a colony. Africanized honey guard bees will often warn you to stay bees are not as selective about nesting away by repeatedly “head butting” your sites as European bees. As a result, body. While it is rare for Africanized Africanized colonies can be found in bees to sting while “bumping” a threat almost any protected place such as to their colony, if you do not retreat, a rocky areas, underground, in cliff full blown attack is imminent. faces, inside a saguaro cavity, inside trees and even around and within Honey bees must live close to water, buildings and other structures. which they use to maintain temperature and humidity within the colony. Be Africanized honey bees can reproduce cautious around any water source. Bee quickly. Consequently, when a colony experts recommend wearing light gets too crowded, a large group of bees colored clothing as bees seem to be less leaves the colony to find a new home. attracted to these colors. They also These swarming bees always have a recommend not wearing perfume or queen with them, but are not generally cologne as their odor may attract bees. considered to be dangerous.
If You Are Attacked Get Away Quickly Do Not Flail Your Arms Run from attacking bees and seek Flailing your arms or swatting at bees shelter in an enclosed space such as a will only make the attack worse. vehicle or building. If cover is not available, continue running until the Seek Medical Attention bees stop chasing you. In some cases If you are attacked by Africanized this distance may be as much as one honey bees, call 911 and seek medical half mile. attention immediately.
Cover Your Head Report the Attack Africanized honey bees target the eyes, For the safety of other visitors, report ears, nose and mouth when attacking. the exact location of any bee attack to Use your shirt or jacket to cover your park staff as soon as possible. Both head while running away. Keep the visitor centers are open from 8:30 a.m. hole you are looking out of as small as to 5:00 p.m. After hours, you may leave possible, without impairing your vision. a message by calling (520) 733-5153 for the east district or (520) 733-5158 for Do Not Kill Attacking Bees the west district. If you kill an attacking bee, it will release an alarm scent that will attract other bees from the colony.
If You Are Stung Africanized honey bee venom is no If you are stung, remove embedded more toxic than that of the European stingers as quickly as possible. Use honey bee. In most cases, the danger your fingernail, a credit card or similar lies in the number of stings associated instrument to scrape them away. Do with an Africanized honey bee attack. not attempt to remove a stinger with Those unable to run from an attack, your fingers or tweezers as this will such as the very young or very old, or force more venom into your flesh. persons with disabilities are at greater After a bee attack, call 911 and seek risk of multiple stings. Additionally, medical attention immediately, espe- some people exhibit a hypersensitivity cially if you are allergic to bee venom or to bee venom. If stung, the resulting feel ill. anaphylactic shock can be life threat- ening.
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