Hey everyone,
We spend a lot of time talking about our local honeybees here in Windsor—their amazing products, their gentle nature, and how much we love them. But as you travel south, the story of honeybees changes a little. Today, I want to dive into a topic that many people are curious and concerned about: the Africanized honeybee, especially its story in Texas.
You've probably heard of them by their more dramatic name: "killer bees." While that nickname comes from horror movies and is definitely an exaggeration, it points to a real and important difference in their behavior. So, what’s the real story?
A Little Bit of History
First off, these aren't some kind of alien invader. They are a hybrid, a mix of a honeybee from southern Africa and our familiar European honeybees. In the 1950s, researchers in Brazil brought African bee queens over, hoping to breed a bee that was better suited to tropical climates and produced more honey.
It was a science experiment with good intentions. But in 1957, some of these bees escaped. And they thrived. Over the decades, these "Africanized" bees slowly spread, colony by colony, moving north through South and Central America. By 1990, they had officially arrived in the United States, first being detected in south Texas. Today, they are established throughout the state.
What’s the Real Difference?
If you saw an Africanized bee next to a European honeybee, you probably couldn't tell them apart. They look virtually identical. The venom in a single sting is no more potent. The real difference isn't in the bee, but in the behavior of the colony.
Think of our local honeybees as having a pretty relaxed security system. If you get too close to their hive, they might send out a few guard bees to check you out. They're defensive, but you have to pose a pretty direct threat.
Africanized bee colonies, on the other hand, have a hyper-sensitive, high-alert security system.
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They are extremely defensive. A minor disturbance that a European colony would ignore—like a lawnmower running 50 feet away or even just vibrations from walking nearby—can be seen as a full-blown threat.
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They respond in overwhelming numbers. Instead of a few dozen guards, an Africanized colony might send out hundreds, or even thousands, of bees to attack.
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They stay aggressive for longer. They will chase a perceived threat for a much greater distance, sometimes for more than a quarter of a mile.
This defensive behavior is the reason they are dangerous. It’s not about one sting; it's about the potential for hundreds of stings.
A Sad Reality: Recent Incidents in Texas
This isn't just a theoretical danger. In the spring of 2025, there have been several tragic incidents in Texas that remind us how serious this can be. In May, a family in Comanche County lost three of their beloved rodeo horses after a swarm attacked them in their pasture. The owners themselves were stung repeatedly trying to save their animals. The hive was later found in a nearby tree. This story is absolutely heartbreaking and underscores the need for caution.
Safety First: What Texans Know
People living in areas with Africanized bees learn to be "bee-aware." Experts at places like the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension have clear advice that is good for all of us to know.
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Be Aware of Your Surroundings: When outdoors, listen for buzzing and watch for bees entering or exiting a single spot, which could indicate a hive.
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"Bee-Proof" Your Home: Africanized bees are less picky about where they nest. They’ll happily move into water meter boxes, old tires, compost bins, or cavities in walls. Seal up any cracks or holes where a colony might decide to move in.
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NEVER Disturb a Hive: If you find a bee colony, leave it alone. Keep children and pets far away. Do not throw rocks at it or spray it with a hose. This is how attacks happen.
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Call a Professional: There are professional bee removal services that have the proper equipment and experience to handle aggressive colonies safely. It is not a DIY job.
If you are ever attacked, the advice is simple and urgent: RUN.
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Run away as fast as you can. Get inside a car or a building immediately.
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Cover your head and face with your shirt or a jacket. They instinctively target the face.
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Do NOT jump into water. The bees will wait for you to come up for air.
A Different Bee, Same Respect
Learning about Africanized bees isn't meant to make us scared of all bees. It’s about understanding that different environments have different challenges. It deepens our respect for the power of these incredible creatures and reminds us that co-existing with nature requires awareness and caution.
It certainly makes me extra thankful for the gentle disposition of our bees here in Windsor!
