Africanized Honey Bees look the same and in most ways behave like the European Honey Bees. Both produce honey and wax, pollinate flowers, protect their nest, and sting in defense. All bees are only able to sting once, since their stinger is barbed and part of the abdomen and the venom sack tear off when the bee flies away and dies. The venom of both species is the same, too. Persons, who are hypersensitive to bee venom, can die from a single EHB sting and others survive over 200 AHB stings. The main difference is their behavior. AHBs are more defensive of their nest and respond faster, in greater numbers and pursue any intruder for a longer distance (up to 1/4 mile vs. only 100 feet for EHBs). AHBs will remain agitated for 8 or more hours whereas EHBs defensive reaction subsides completely after about 1 hour. They can sense movement within 50 feet or more, vibrations and noise from power equipment within 100 feet from the nest. Be aware that the nest might not be visible, since they like to nest in small cavities and sheltered areas such as empty boxes, cans, buckets, old tires, lumber piles, holes in trees and the ground, garages, sheds, and other places.

As a general rule, stay away from ALL honey bee swarms and colonies. If bees are encountered, quickly run away, covering your face and neck and seek shelter in a car or a building. Water or thick brush does not offer enough protection. Do not stand and swat at the bees; rapid movements will aggravate them and cause them to sting.

Residents should periodically inspect their property for potential AHB colonies and remove possible nesting sites around the house and yard. To avoid a the bees establishing a colony inside a small exterior openings of the house, seal any opening larger than 1/8 inch such as pipe entrances. It is also recommended to install fine screens (1/8") over tops of rain spots, vents, and openings in water meter/utility boxes.

If you discover a swam or colony of bees,  keep children and pets away and notify the AV Mosquito & Vector Control District or a local pest control company immediately.