Africanized bees or, as they are known colloquially, killer bees are species of honey bees that originated in Africa. They are more aggressive and resilient than European honey bees and are far more defensive and likely to attack when feeling threatened. While Africanized bees are better honey producers and are less susceptible to changes in environment and weather conditions, their aggressive behavior has presented some problems.

The sting of an Africanized bee, the type and amount of venom it uses is no different from that of its European relative but killer bees tend to attack in numbers and will keep stinging while pursuing their perceived threat for up to half a mile. The amount of venom injected by numerous stings can become life-threatening, especially for those with bee venom allergies.

Killer bee population in Arizona has been on the rise. Since it is hard for an untrained eye to tell the two types of bees apart, it is essential that you call your pest control specialist for an immediate evaluation. When relaxing outside or working in your garden, avoid wearing dark shirts and even dark sunglasses, which can be perceived as a danger by bees.