Africanized bees are a subspecies of European honeybee descended from 26 bees accidentally released in 1957 in Southern Brazil by biologist Warwick E. Kerr, who had interbred European honeybees and bees from southern Africa.
They are characterized by their aggressive behavior in establishing new hives and in their vigorous defensive behavior, attacking perceived hunters, including people. Several deaths have resulted from multiple bee stings.
As of 2002 they had spread from Brazil south to northern Argentina and north to South and Central America, México, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and southern California. They are spreading north at a rate of almost two kilometers (about one mile) a day.
How to Avoid Killer Bees
Killer bee hives usually have a small number of sentry bees patrolling the perimeter of the hive's territory. In some if not most cases, these sentry bees will initially head-butt (not sting) any animal that enters the hive's territory. If the animal continues closer to the hive, stinging will ensue.
If bees start head-butting you, use this behavior as a warning to retrace your steps. Choosing any other path could lead you deeper into the hive's territory.
Like most bees, killer bees are attracted to dark colors. Knowing this, beekeepers alway wear white (or light colored) protective suits when working with bees.
When traveling through areas with bees, wear light colors to avoid attracting bees.
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