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Spring is the time of year when you will be begin seeing bees appearing around Chandler, AZ. Bees are good at pollinating plants, so they are definitely important. But their stings can also turn bees into a threat, so you should not mess around with them and in some cases, bees may need to be removed from a property. In particular, Africanized honey bees, a.k.a. “killer” bees, are prevalent in Arizona, and they may present a problem if you’re not cautious.
If a beehive is found in your Chandler home or business or if you are noticing a large number of bees at your property, do not take action to get rid of the bees on your own. Western Exterminator’s bee control technicians are trained to help keep these pests away from your property.
What species of honey bees are in Chandler?
It turns out there are multiple kinds of honey bees, and in the U.S., the European honey bee and the Africanized honey bee are most often found. Africanized honey bees, which show more aggression than European honey bees, are found in the Copper State. and you may encounter them among the Chandler honey bees active in the area.
Africanized honey bees look similar to European honey bees. It is difficult to tell the difference and you’d need an expert to tell. Also, Africanized bees do not have more powerful stings than usual European honey bees. But killer bees are prone to guarding their colonies with more assertiveness and stinging under less incitement than European honey bees. Killer bees have greater potential to cause harm.
Key information about Africanized bees
Africanized honey bees swarm often, too (it can be as frequently as every six weeks). One reason swarms of honey bees can appear is if the hive is not big enough for the colony. Africanized honey bee colonies actually grow more quickly than European honey bee colonies.
Compared to European honey bees, killer bees are not as selective when picking a place to construct a hive. Killer bees in Chandler are more inclined to occupy nests in small places, such as water meter boxes and grills, and are more prone to use cavities in the ground for nesting. They can also use places such as buckets, piles of lumber, and sheds. Do not come in close proximity to a bee nest or bother a bee swarm. Pay attention for a buzzing sound that signifies bees are present.
Africanized bees are incited by dark, big objects that are moving near a colony. They are capable of following people for a good distance. Another good tip is to be careful when cutting the lawn, as a lawn mower may bother them.
It’s important to stay alert for killer bees in Arizona, especially in warmer months when they’re most active. Knowing your surroundings and calling a professional if you notice increased bee activity can help protect you, your family, and your property. Be very cautious if you see any bees at your Chandler home or business, or if you are near locations where they might be located.
Is a swarm of killer bees coming after you?
Having a swarm of killer bees pursue you is never the situation you want to end up in, but if you unintentionally provoke bees and a swarm comes after you, run and seek refuge in a car or building and remain there. Also, make an effort to guard your face and eyes but keep running. Remember to run in a straight line.
Although it might be tempting, do not hide under the surface of the water, as bees can still sting when you come up to take a breath. Take out stingers as soon as you can so more venom does not get into the wound.
Life-threatening reactions to bee stings are possible and you should attend to them right away. If you or someone you know has been stung and experiences symptoms such as trouble breathing, get medical help.
Elderly people and children are more at risk for encountering more than one sting from Africanized bees because they cannot get away from the bees fast enough.
Expert bee removal in Chandler, AZ
Western Exterminator technicians know how to get rid of bees and how to be safe around them. Reach out to us today for help with bees other Chandler pests!
Frequently asked questions
Are killer bees common in Chandler, AZ?
Yes, Africanized honey bees—often called killer bees—are found in Chandler and throughout much of Arizona. The warm climate makes the area a suitable environment for these bees to nest and spread.
How can I tell if a bee is a killer bee?
Killer bees look almost exactly like regular honey bees, so it’s nearly impossible to tell them apart by sight. The biggest difference is in their behavior. Killer bees are much more aggressive and respond quickly to anything they see as a threat.
Do killer bees attack without reason?
Killer bees don’t attack for no reason, but they are much more sensitive to movement, noise, or vibrations near their nest. Even walking nearby or using outdoor tools can trigger a defensive response.
Do killer bees sting multiple times?
Like regular honey bees, killer bees can only sting once. However, they attack in larger numbers, which means the danger comes from multiple bees stinging at the same time.
How do killer bees affect the environment in Chandler?
Killer bees in Chandler do pollinate and contribute to local plant life, but their aggressive behavior can push out less aggressive native bee species. This may impact the balance of pollinators in the area and make outdoor spaces riskier for people and pets.