The Africanized Honey Bee is a hybrid of one of the several European Honey Bee subspecies (Apis mellifera mellifera, A.m.carnica, A.m.caucasia, or A.m.linguica) and the African Honey Bee (Apis mellifera scutellata).
The hybrid is virtually indistinguishable in the field from the common honey bee.
The AHB will set up colonies in all the same areas as the European Honey Bee (EHB) and will also nest close to or in the ground.
The most noticeable difference between the two types of bees is that AHB is extremely aggressive in defense of the colony.
At any perceived threat, Africanized Honey Bees can "swarm" out of the colony and attack, stinging in large numbers, sometimes in the hundreds.
Do Africanized Honey Bees (AHB) exist in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County and Redondo Beach?
Yes.
The Vector Control District cites the first AHB colony in Los Angeles County in the City of Lawndale in 1998.
Why is the AHB a problem?
The way the AHB defends its nest is the main problem.
AHB will respond to any threat to their nest and it does not take much for them to feel threatened.
A person walking within 50 feet of a colony can trigger an attack.
Operating power tools or power lawn equipment can trigger an attack from as far away as 100 feet.
The AHB will respond in higher numbers than the EHB and more bees will sting the victim.
The AHB will chase a victim 1/4 to 1/2 mile and will remain agitated for an hour or more after an attack.
This could cause a problem for someone arriving after an attack and walking into the areas where the agitated bees are.
Sting for sting, the AHB is virtually identical to the EHB. The fact that more of them will sting a victim makes them more dangerous.
Some people are allergic to bee stings.
If you start swelling or have trouble breathing, see a doctor.
If you are stung many times, see a doctor whether or not you have symptoms.
Where in Los Angeles County can AHB be found and have there been recent attacks in the South Bay?
Los Angeles was completely colonized by April 1999.
The Vector Control District's website identifies AHB serious stinging incidents to:
A family dog in Torrance in May 2011
A horse and rider in Rolling Hills/Palos Verdes Estates in June 2009
Be aware and be careful.
How can I avoid problems with AHB /what if I have other questions?
To prevent AHB, do "bee-proofing" around your property.
Sealing all cracks and holes larger than 1/8 inch that lead into a wall void, attic or sub-area.
This can be done with stucco patch, caulking, and screen.
Most vent screens are normally 1/4 inch mesh, through which bees can pass.
Purchase 1/8 inch mesh hardware cloth; cut pieces to size and fit them in behind the existing vent screens.
This does not involve major renovation of your vents.
Remove or eliminate junk piles, upturned pots, wood piles or any place that could offer a sheltered place for bees to create a hive
Become more aware of your surroundings and watch for bee activity around your property.
If you spot some on your neighbor's property, let them know.
For additional information call the AHB Hotline: 1-800-BEE WARY (1-800-233-9279)
What do I do if attacked?
Here are some Do's and Don'ts during an attack by Africanized Honey Bees:
Do run. Run away as fast as possible. Get into a building or vehicle if you can.
Do try to cover your face and head as you run.
Do enter the closest vehicle, tent, house or sealed structure.
Do call 911.
Do start removing stingers from your skin once you are away from the bees. You can remove them by scraping, pulling, or using sticky tape. Do not leave the stingers in any longer than necessary, as they will continue to pump venom.
Do count the number of stingers that you remove to advise medical personnel of the total number of stings.
Don't stop running to remove stingers until you are safely away from the attacking bees.
Don't jump into water. The bees will see you and wait for you to come up for air.
