Africanized Honeybees 

In 1999, the District launched its three-year Africanized honeybee (AHB) response program, which has removed non-structural swarms and hives on public and private property free of charge.

 

During its inception, the program consisted of 10 specialized personnel—an AHB Coordinator, an assistant to the AHB coordinator, and eight Vector Control Specialists.

 

 

Effective July 1, 2002, the District discontinued the AHB program because the bees had not proven to be a significant public health risk. The District does not provide honeybee swarm or hive removal.

 

Attacks, injury, or death from AHB’s had not increased nor occurred, even in surrounding communities where no public agency provides AHB service. The duration of the District’s AHB program was intended to be temporary and not to exceed three years. During the three-year period, the intent was to provide a level of comfort and prevent injury to the public while promoting community awareness about AHB and how to safely coexist with them. The private pest control industry will respond to swarms and hive removals.

 

The County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office should resume its leadership and responsibility as the primary public agency to handle both domestic as well as Africanized honeybees. GLACVCD will continue to serve as an educational resource agency, providing informational materials and assistance on AHB to school and residents within its boundaries when needed or requested. 

 

Selecting A Private Pest Control Company

 

The District cannot recommend or endorse any company, but we do have a list of companies willing to do bee related work.

 

We recommend that you look in the Yellow Pages under “Pest Control” and contact at least four private pest control companies, comparing costs and services. In addition to cost, make sure they are licensed. To be licensed, a person must be bonded and insured.

 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding a pest control company or individual pest control operator, contact the following:

 

 

Living With Africanized Honeybees

 

Background

Africanized honeybees (AHB) are descendents of escaped African bees imported from Brazil in an attempt to improve honey production. AHB arrived in Southern California in 1994, colonizing Los Angeles County in 1998. They have essentially displaced feral European honeybees in Los Angeles County, and are now the dominant wild bee encountered.

 

How Do You Tell Africanized Honeybees Apart From Domestic European Honeybees?

 

 

Both Have: The Difference Is:
  • The same physical appearance
  • Africanized honeybees are very aggressive
  • Sting only once
  • Guard a larger area around their hive
  • The same venom
  • Become upset more easily by humans and machinery
 
  • Chase you up to a 1/4 of a mile

 

Outdoor Recreation and Bee Safety:

 

Take Precautions:

Honeybees can be found in:

AHB and Your Pet:

If bees attack your pet:

 

When Are Africanized Honeybees Dangerous?

 

Foraging: Bees are interested in gathering food and usually ignore people when they are foraging. They are not dangerous at this time unless threatened.

 

 

Swarming: A swarm is a large group of bees that look dangerous, but are not dangerous. They are resting and will probably move on within one or two days to find a permanent home.

 

Nesting:  Africanized honeybees become dangerous after they establish a nest or hive. Once disturbed, hundreds of worker bees are sent out to defend their colony. Stay away from nesting bees. They can be very dangerous

.

If Attacked by Africanized Honeybees:

If Stung:

 

How To Bee Proof Your Home

 

If you have any questions or concerns about Africanized honeybees, please contact the District at (562) 944-9656