Africanized bees can put a damper on your summer fun, especially if someone in your family is allergic to bees. While they’re a helpful insect, their presence is always alarming to humans, and a swarm of bees is a very real threat that can wreak havoc on your family.

If you’re looking for bee removal in the Phoenix area, you’re in the right place. Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Africanized bees, including how to remove them from your home or yard.

What are Africanized bees?

The Africanized bee also called the “killer bee,” is one of the most interesting insect species on the planet. Like something out of a movie, Africanized bees weren’t native to the U.S. until they escaped from a testing facility in Brazil in 1990. Since then, they’ve taken up residence in Texas and have expanded throughout the country.

While killer bees are a relatively new addition to our local ecosystem, their numbers appear to be growing, and they’re now found throughout the state. This bee is golden brown with stripes of darker brown on its body, and they’re about ½” long.

Are Africanized bees dangerous?

All bees, including the Africanized bee, are helpful members of our ecosystem. They pollinate flowers and keep other pests at bay. But, they do engage in potentially dangerous behaviors for humans. Africanized bees are known to swarm, which is a behavior where several killer bees break off from their hive to form a new hive, expanding their colony in the process. These bees aren’t picky, and they’re quick to build a hive wherever they can. Garages, sheds, and crawl spaces make attractive locations for an Africanized beehive, and they’ll also take up residence in tree hollows, fences, barbeque grills, and even old tires when necessary.

When swarming bees feel threatened by humans, they’re quick to sting, and they’re willing to engage in a relentless pursuit to keep you from disturbing their hive. Of course, no one wants to get stung by a bee, but this danger is especially alarming for people allergic to bee stings, and those with compromised immune systems.

How can I get rid of an Africanized bee nest?

It’s challenging to prevent a killer bee infestation because they’re happy to build a nest practically anywhere. But, regular yard and home maintenance may be able to protect you from a bee infestation. Clean up yard debris, fill or throw out empty flower pots, and fill cracks along your home’s exterior.

Keep in mind that dealing with killer bees can be difficult, and also very dangerous. Many homeowners find themselves in a swarm of bees when they take matters into their own hands. The safest and most reliable way to deal with Africanized bees is to call in a bee removal specialist.

How can SOS Exterminating get rid of Africanized bees on my property?

Never try to get rid of an Africanized bee nest on your own! They are extremely dangerous, and it’s not worth the time, effort, and money you’ll spend with DIY tactics. The trained professionals at SOS Exterminating have the tools and knowledge that it takes to safely eliminate the Africanized bee nest on your property. Give us a call or fill out the contact form on this page for a free Africanized bee inspection!