One of the most misunderstood pest is the bee. Most people consider bees as a threat or a problematic pest if they are found buzzing around our home or if they have discovered a beehive under development around their homes or yards. Well, for those who might be allergic to bee stings, your point of view is understandable. However, bees play a vital role in our ecosystem and currently we are seeing a large decrease in bee population across the world. We understand that most folks are aware of the killer bee and know they are extremely aggressive. Because of the aggression, no one will want these bees hanging around. However there are your common honey bees that will only become aggressive if the hive is under direct attack. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control would like to help you understand a little more about Africanized Killer Bees as opposed to European Honey Bees and why you should contact a professional to help remove these pests!

Africanized Honey Bee Invasive Species

Unfortunately, there is very little difference between the two species of bees. They both look and act similarly. To begin with, the Killer Bee is actually an African species of bees that were deliberately bred with native European honey bees in Brazil during the 1950’s. Why you wonder? Studies have shown our native honey bees have a low heat tolerance. Too much heat slows down the honey productivity and even causes them to die. Researchers hoped by interbreeding the two species, this would help make our local bees withstand the rising heat temperatures. They did succeed in this endeavor; however the aggression of the African honey bee remained. This inherited aggression became an unfortunate side effect.

Attacks & Stings of Honey Bees VS Killer Bees

Now we have two major species of honey bees; one being the Africanized honey bee or more commonly known as the killer bee and our local European honey bee or your everyday honey bee. Due to the cross breeding of these two species, their behavior, habitats and even hive construction are all very similar, making them near impossible to distinguish the two of them apart. However there is one major feature that separates the two apart from their aggression. Honey Bees will only attack if the hive is in direct threat and usually only 10% of the colony will defend their hive. In direction opposition, the killer nee will send 90% of the colony to attack an invader and usually they will do so if the invader is within 100 feet of their hive. Of course we are not saying risk yourself of being stung just to figure out which species of bee inhabits your yard. However if you have been stung without knowing or seeing a hive close by, chances are there is a killer bee hive in the vicinity.

Bee & Wasp Stinging Insect Removal in Cibolo, Universal City, New Braunfels & San Antonio Texas

Remember honey bees as well as killer bees play a vital role to the pollination of our plants especially those which are our food source. If possible, coexist with these bees unless they pose a direct problem. If they do, contact your professional pest control company for safe removal. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control can help remove bees especially if there is a killer beehive present on your property. Call A Five Star Termite & Pest Control today.