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How to Get Rid of Africanized Bees

Africanized bees are a subspecies of honeybee that resulted from the interbreeding of African bees and European bees. They were initially branded "killer bees" because of their aggressive behavior. Africanized bees often attack humans and animals that stray too close to their nest. Although their venom is chemically the same as that of the European honeybees common in North America, Africanized bees attack in far greater numbers than European bees and pursue their victims for great distances. If you suspect Africanized bees are on your property, you should take immediate action and get rid of them for the safety of your family and pets.

Things You'll Need

Tight protective clothing such as a beekeeper's suit
Gloves
Face mask
Raid
Boric acid
Steel wool
Caulk

Instructions

- 1
  Call a professional to remove the bees. He will remove all the bees and the hive as well. This is the safest way to remove Africanized bees.
- 2
  If you decide to get rid of the bees yourself, wear protective bee gear. This includes tight protective clothing, gloves, hat and a face mask. In the evening, when the bees are the least active, locate the nest and spray it with Raid. Spray the nest once more the following evening to make sure all the Africanized bees are dead. Remove the nest so that different bees do not try to occupy it later.
- 3
  Use boric acid or Borax, which is usually sold as a fine powder. Wear protective bee gear and get as close to the opening of the hive as possible. In a quick sweeping motion, apply the boric acid to the opening of the beehive. The bees will get the dust on their bodies and bring it back into the nest where it eventually poisons the entire colony. Once you're sure all the bees are dead, put on your protective bee gear and remove the nest.
- 4
  Prevent Africanized bees from building a colony in your house or yard by filling in all cracks and crevices in your walls with steel wool and caulk. Don't leave empty containers, flower pots, old tires or piles of lumber around because these are all common nesting locations for Africanized bees.
- 5
  Inspect your property on a weekly basis for Africanized bees. The earlier you detect a hive, the less chance it has to develop into a strong colony.

Insects & Science