African Bee Background

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A Brief History

Honey bees brought to the US in the 1600’s by European settlers soon became one of the most economically beneficial insects. Their gentle nature made them easy to manage. Utah’s and the nation’s food production system would be greatly diminished if the bee population were to be diminished. In many areas, up to 1/3rd of the agricultural production is attributed to honey bee pollination.

In 1956, researchers in Brazil imported honey bees from Africa in an attempt to create a bee that would be better suited to tropical conditions. The African Honey Bee (AHB) were bred with European honey bees (EHB). Researchers expected that when mated with European honey bee, the African bee would lose its more defensive nature. However, that was not the case, and in 1957, 26 African queen bees escaped from a breeding program in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The hybrid Africanized bee became established and expanded their range through South and Central America. The first report of Africanized bee in the United State was made in Hidalgo, Texas in 1990. Since then, the have been found throughout the southern US.

Africanized vs. European Honey Bees

It is difficult to visually distinguish Africanized honey bees from European honey bees. Only through USDA-ID testing can the species be verified.

AHB are more defensive—defend their nests with less provocation, in greater numbers and for longer distances.

AHB swarm as many as 16 times per year — EHB swarm only once or twice a year. Swarming is the reproductive behavior that occurs when bees are looking for a new nest site.

AHB are not selective of nesting sites —they will quickly inhabit empty spaces, holes or cavities. EHB are more selective and prefer drier sites 3 or 4 feet above the ground.