Africanized Honey Bees on the Treasure Coast
How they differ from gentle colonies, how to stay safe around any bee nest, and when to call.
Africanized honey bees are established in South and Central Florida, including St. Lucie and Martin County. They look the same as other honey bees, but a defensive colony can react to disturbance with far more bees, faster, and chase much farther. Treat any colony that chases or stings as dangerous, get indoors, and call a professional.
What Makes Them Different
Africanized honey bees descend from African bees brought to South America in the 1950s, which spread north over the following decades. Their venom is no stronger than a regular honey bee's. The difference is behavior: they defend a wider area around the nest, respond to vibration and noise more quickly, send out many more defenders, and stay agitated longer. They also swarm more often and nest in smaller cavities, such as valve boxes, grills and utility boxes.
You Can't Tell by Looking
Only lab testing can confirm Africanized genetics. For a homeowner, the practical rule is simple: judge the colony by how it acts. Bees that bump you, follow you, or pour out when a mower starts should be treated as dangerous, whatever their genetics.
Colony acting aggressive?Call now or text a photo for a quick price.
If You're Chased
- Run, and keep running, to a car or building. Most people can outrun bees over a short distance.
- Pull your shirt over your face and head as you go.
- Don't stop to swat. It slows you down and draws more bees.
- Don't jump into water. Bees wait for you to surface.
- Once inside, a few bees may follow. Move to another room.
- Call 911 for trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, or many stings.
Around the House
- Look for bee traffic before mowing, trimming or pressure-washing.
- Check valve box lids, grills, sheds and shutters in spring.
- Seal soffit gaps and wall penetrations so colonies can't move in.
- Keep pets and livestock away from any active nest.
- Never try to remove or seal a colony yourself.
Defensive colonies are still removed alive. They're handled by experienced beekeepers and never placed near homes. See emergency bee removal and honey bee relocation.
Quick Questions
Yes. They're established across South and Central Florida, including St. Lucie and Martin County.
No. A single sting is about the same. The danger comes from the number of stings.
No. They're removed alive and managed by experienced beekeepers away from people.
You can't tell by sight. If the colony is defensive, treat it as dangerous and call us.