Africanized Honey Bee

Topics in this section:

Site:

Habitat

Africanized bees will nest almost anywhere around your home, even inside a meter box or in a rain spout. It's important to be on the lookout for bees around your home and yard, as well as in barns and pens where animals are confined.

Potential Bee Nesting Sites Near Your Home

holes or cracks in building walls
holes in trees
underneath mobile homes
culverts or drainage pipes
flower pots
old tires
bird houses
barns or sheds
woodpiles
wooden spools often used as playground equipment

Outdoor Recreation and Bees

Outdoor activities such as hunting, camping hiking and even picnicking can put you at greater risk of unknowingly disturbing a hive of Africanized honey bees.

When participating in outdoor recreational activities, watch for numbers of bees flying around the vicinity and listen for buzzing sounds. If you encounter either, leave the area immediately.
When picking out a picnic site or setting up camp, first scout the area for bees. Never let young children play in an area you have not checked for bees.
Never climb into a hunting blind without checking for bees and beehives first. Watch for bees flying in or out of the blind.
When hiking, listen and watch for bees. Never step on or turn over logs or rocks where bees may be nesting.
When activities take you into outdoor areas where bees may be nesting, have an escape plan.

Potential Bee Nesting Sites in Recreational Areas

tree hollows
piles of rocks
rotted or hollow logs
underneath picnic tables
park shelters
park trash cans
stacks of firewood
hunting blinds
wood duck boxes
bird houses
oilfield equipment
wind mills