How to Avoid a Killer Bee Attack

The phrase "killer bee attack" brings to mind swarms of angry bees looking for a helpless victim to terrorize, but that's not exactly the way these insects work. Killer bees, or Africanized honeybees, are a cross between European and African honeybees. They are more aggressive than European honeybees when disturbed and are more likely to come into contact with humans because they nest in unexpected areas, such as garbage containers and porches. The risk of a killer bee attack can be reduced by taking steps to minimize contact with the insects and avoiding behaviors that provoke them.

Things You'll Need

• Caulk or steel wool
• Light-colored clothing

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep killer bees from building hives around your home by making it less attractive to them. Eliminate cracks around the house, garage and outbuildings by filling them in with caulk and steel wool.

• 2

  Get rid of waste piles outside your house, because the bees will nest in almost anything that provides an opening.

• 3

  Examine your home and surrounding property each month to make sure that no hives have been built. Signs of a nest include bees visibly entering and exiting a small opening and a humming sound coming from the suspected location.

• 4

  Choose light-colored clothing when you go outdoors, because killer bees show more aggressiveness toward dark colors.

• 5

  Refrain from wearing citrus- or floral-scented aftershave or perfume, which may draw the bees when outdoors.

• 6

  Notice bee activity when you're outdoors. If bees begin darting around you or you see them moving together in great numbers take shelter indoors immediately.

• 7

  Practice vigilance when using loud outdoor equipment, such as lawnmowers or weed trimmers. Killer bees are sometimes provoked by the vibrations from these machines. Keep an eye out for unusual bee activity and find shelter quickly if you suspect a problem.