Danger of Africanized Bees Attacking Pets

Killer bees are also known as Africanized Bees. They look like a common honeybee to most people but there are physical differences between the two. The differences between Common Honey Bees and African Honey Bees can only be seen in a laboratory through comparing the structures of the bees. The difference can also be seen with DNA testing.

According to the Smithsonian Institute, the African Honey Bee, which originated in Europe, killer bees, "have gradually spread northward through South America, Central America, and eastern Mexico, progressing some 100 to 200 miles per year. In 1990, Killer Bees reached southern Texas, appeared in Arizona in 1993, and found their way to California in 1995. They are expected to form colonies in parts of the southern United States. Killer bees, "will chase a person a quarter of a mile." The killer bees have killed over 1,000 people.

Killer Bee Attacks:

Today, killer bees are killing pets across southern United States at an alarming rate. Recently, attacks on both humans and pets have been reported in Idaho, Utah, Texas, and across the south to Virginia and Florida.

San Antonio, Texas: Mary Miranda, a heartbroken dog owner from the San Antonio area recently stated, "I lost five of my family members the end of May, a lab-x and four pureblood standard poodles, when they were attacked by killer bees in my backyard. Two of them were rescues, the other three I raised from day one. Rosie, was my freestyle partner. One of my girls, Pinky, fought hard to survive, but the shock and toxins from the bees was more than she could handle and my sweet girl died six days later. They were my family and carried a special place in my heart. There is a huge hole there now."

Mary wants to spread her devastating news to pet owners across the country to beware of swarming bees. She hopes that no one else will lose beloved pets to killer bee attacks.

Miami, Florida:

First Coast News reports that George Williams was walking with his German Shepherd when they were suddenly attacked by a swarm of killer bees. Williams survived the attack but his pet German Shepherd was not so lucky, succumbing to these aggressive Africanized bees. The killer bees attacked near Williams' home, where the bees had an enormous hive in a nearby tree.

These two attacks are only a few reported incidents. Many pets and humans have died from Africanized bee attacks, especially in southern United States. Every pet owner should take safety precautions against killer bee attacks.

Precautions against killer bee attacks

1. Listen for buzzing as you walk your dog. Buzzing bees mean there is a hive or swarm of bees nearby.

2. Before entering a shed, garage, or other outdoor building, check the inside roof, corners, and eaves for nests.

3. Check backyard trees, shrubs, lawns, and power tools before trimming and mowing. Killer bees build nests in these areas.

4. Perform a thorough check of your dog's pen or your back yard before letting the dog outside.

5. Never try to take down a bee hive yourself. Killer bees are extremely aggressive, attacking the face, eyes, and mouth in particular. Contact a local pest control business to remove the hive.

6. Alert neighbors to the dangers of Africanized bee attacks. Remember that bees will attack from a neighbor's yard also.

Sources:
Smithsonian Institute: Killer Bees

San Antonio Express News: Woman's Dogs Die after Attack by Bees

University of California: Bee Alert, Africanized Honey Bee Facts