AFRICANIZED HONEY BEES IN LAS VEGAS

Spring and summer are the seasons we start seeing bees around the Las Vegas Valley. Over the years the Africanized honey bee population in our area has become more prevalent.

Africanized bees or killer bees -- are descendants of southern African bees imported in 1956 by Brazilian scientists attempting to breed a honey bee better adapted to the South American tropics however in 1957, 26 swarms accidentally escaped quarantine and, since then, have spread throughout South and Central America and arrived in North America in 1985. Africanized bees acquired the name killer bees because they will viciously attack people and animals that unwittingly stray into their territory, often resulting in serious injury or death.

These bees are less discriminating in their choice of nests than native bees, utilizing a variety of natural and man-made objects, including hollow trees, walls, porches, sheds, attics, utility boxes, garbage containers and abandoned vehicles. They also tend to swarm more often than other honey bees.

Africanized bees probably present a greater danger in the U.S. to American beekeeping and American agriculture than to humans. They often enter European colonies to mingle and mate with them. Such mating results in more hybrid bees having African genes and tendencies dominating over European ones. An entire colony may suddenly take on aggressive and short-tempered behavior.

These bees show their aggressiveness in the following ways – they will defend their hive more rapidly than European honey bees (native bees in the U.S.). They will sting in greater numbers and will swarm more often than native honey bees.

If you come in contact with a nest of bees it is advised to call a pest control professional.

GLOBAL PEST SERVICES in Las Vegas is a licensed pest control company that is qualified to handle all your pest elimination needs. Call our office at 702-657-0091 or go to our web site- to speak with us for all your pest control needs. Get a quote now!

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