Africanized honeybees kill Georgia man

African "killer" bee

Officials with the Georgia Department of Agriculture reported in their bi-weekly newsletter that it was so-called African "Killer" bees that caused the death of a Dougherty county, Georgia man who accidentally disturbed their colony. The man - who was working with a bulldozer when the accident happened - was stung more than 100 times by the bees which are actually a hybrid of aggressive African bees and more docile European honey bees.

According to officials from the Department of Agriculture, the so-called "killer" bee and its European counter-part (which is Georgia's state insect) are much alike in many ways except one -- the African bees are less predictable as well as being more defensive. The Africanized bees are actually the product of an experiment that went awry in Brazil back in the 1950's as researchers were attempting to create a honeybee better suited to tropical conditions. The "Africanized" bee escaped and began breeding with the European bee and began colonizing first in South and Central America, then Mexico, and finally in the US.

Agriculture officials offer these tips to prevent being stung by the "killer" bees:

1. Be careful in areas where bees may be found. (This is a good rule of thumb for any type of bee.)

2. Listen for buzzing. (This is an indicator of a nest or swarm of bees.)

3. Use care when entering a shed or outbuilding where bees may nest.

4. Examine work area(s) before using lawn mowers and other power equipment.

5. Examine areas before using them as a pen for pets or livestock.

6. Don't disturb a nest or swarm; contact a pest control company or your Cooperative Extension office.

7. Remove possible nest sites around your home and seal openings larger than 1/8 inch in walls, around chmineys, and plumbing.

Experts says as a general rule, stay away from all honeybee swarms and colonies. If bees are encountered, GET AWAY QUICKLY. Do not stand and swat as this will only invite more stings. If you are stung, try to protect your face and eyes as much as possible and run away from the area. Take shelter in a car or building, and don't worry if a few bees follow you inside. It's better to have a few in the car - or building - with you than thousands waiting outside.

Until next time . .