How do I know if bees are Africanized?

You cannot tell by looking at them — Africanized bees are visually identical to European honey bees. The behavioral clues are: they respond to disturbances much faster and in much larger numbers, they pursue threats for longer distances (up to a quarter mile), and they are more likely to sting with minimal provocation.

What should I do if attacked by Africanized bees?

Run immediately in a straight line away from the nest. Cover your face and head. Get inside a building or vehicle as fast as possible. Do not swat at bees, do not jump into water, and do not stop running. Once safe, scrape stingers out of the skin and seek medical attention if you received many stings.

Are Africanized bees in the Phoenix metro area?

Yes. Africanized bees are found throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Maricopa, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale. They are the dominant feral honey bee population in Arizona and have been established in the state since the late 1980s.

Where do Africanized bees nest?

Africanized bees nest in any available cavity — hollow trees, wall voids, water meter boxes, empty flowerpots, abandoned vehicles, and utility boxes. They are less selective than European honey bees and will establish colonies in smaller spaces.

How many bee stings are dangerous?

For a healthy adult without bee venom allergies, 500 to 1,000 stings can be life-threatening due to venom toxicity. For children, the elderly, or individuals with venom allergies, far fewer stings can be dangerous. Seek medical attention for more than 15 to 20 stings, or immediately for any signs of anaphylaxis.

What is the difference between a swarm and a colony?

A swarm is a temporary cluster of bees while scout bees search for a new nest site. Swarms are generally less defensive than established colonies. A colony is an established nest with comb, brood, and honey. Both should be treated by a professional, but established colonies are significantly more dangerous to disturb.

How do I prevent Africanized bees from nesting on my property?

Seal all cavities and openings in structures, including gaps in soffits, wall voids, and utility boxes. Remove empty containers, old equipment, and debris that could provide nesting sites. Report swarms to your local pest control company promptly before they establish a colony.

Stinging Insects

Africanized Bees in Arizona: Identification, Risks & What to Do

Q: Can I remove Africanized bees myself?

No. Never attempt to remove an Africanized bee colony yourself. In Arizona, removal of Africanized bee colonies requires a licensed pest control applicator. DIY attempts can trigger a mass defensive response resulting in hundreds or thousands of stings.

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Never Remove Africanized Bee Colonies Yourself

In Arizona, removal of Africanized bee colonies requires a licensed pest control applicator. DIY attempts can trigger a mass defensive response resulting in hundreds or thousands of stings.

Arizona has one of the highest concentrations of Africanized honey bees in the United States. Often called killer bees, they look identical to European honey bees but are far more defensive. Learn how to identify Africanized bee swarms, what to do during an attack, and how to safely remove a colony.

Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera scutellata hybrids) arrived in Arizona in the late 1980s and have since become the dominant feral honey bee population in the state. They are visually identical to European honey bees — the same size, same coloration, same body shape. The only reliable way to distinguish them is through laboratory analysis of wing measurements. What sets Africanized bees apart is their behavior: they are dramatically more defensive than European honey bees, respond to perceived threats in far greater numbers, pursue threats for much longer distances (up to a quarter mile), and will defend a much larger territory around their nest. A European honey bee colony might send 10 to 20 bees to investigate a disturbance; an Africanized colony can mobilize hundreds to thousands of bees within seconds.

Common Nesting Sites in Arizona

Hollow trees and tree cavities

Wall voids in structures

Water meter boxes

Empty flowerpots and planters

Abandoned vehicles and equipment

Utility boxes and electrical enclosures

Gaps in block walls

Attic spaces and soffits

In Arizona, Africanized bees nest in a wide variety of locations — hollow trees, wall voids, water meter boxes, empty flowerpots, abandoned vehicles, and any cavity that provides shelter. They are less selective about nesting sites than European honey bees and will establish colonies in smaller spaces. They also swarm more frequently, meaning new colonies are constantly being established throughout the state. The risk of encountering Africanized bees is highest in rural and suburban areas with natural desert nearby, but they are found throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Maricopa, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe. Warning signs of a nearby colony include seeing large numbers of bees flying in and out of a specific location, hearing a loud buzzing from inside a wall or structure, or finding a swarm on a branch or structure.

What to Do During an Attack

Run immediately in a straight line away from the nest

Do not stop, do not swat — swatting releases alarm pheromones

Cover your face and head as you run

Bees target dark areas and movement — protect your face

Get inside a building or vehicle immediately

Close all doors and windows — bees will follow you inside if you leave them open

Do NOT jump into water

Bees will wait for you to surface — water is not an escape route

Scrape (do not pinch) stingers out of skin

Pinching injects more venom — use a credit card or fingernail to scrape

If you encounter an Africanized bee attack, run immediately in a straight line away from the nest — do not stop to swat at bees, as this releases alarm pheromones that attract more bees. Cover your face and head as you run. Get inside a building or vehicle as quickly as possible. Do not jump into water — bees will wait for you to surface. Once safe, remove stingers by scraping (not pinching) them out of the skin. Seek medical attention if you received more than 15 to 20 stings, if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, or if the victim is a child, elderly person, or has known bee venom allergies. Never attempt to remove an Africanized bee colony yourself — always call a licensed pest control professional.