" A swarm of as many as 100,000 bees attacked a Tennessee beekeeper last month, and genetic testing of the angry critters has now revealed that they were partially Africanized bees. This is the first time that Africanized bees have been found in Tennessee. Africanized bees, often referred to as 'killer bees,' are a hybrid cross between the bee species normally found in America and African honey bees (Apis mellifera scutellata), which were originally introduced to the Americas as a productive source of honey. But the African honey bees take over hives wherever they spread, killing the hives' original queens and hybridizing with resident populations. The hybridized Africanized bees are significantly more aggressive than other bees and more likely to attack in massive swarms when defending their nests. Their stings are no worse than those of other bees, but the sheer number of them can create more life-threatening situations, especially in anyone who is allergic to bee stings."
"The Tennessee Department of Agriculture released the following five steps to protect yourself if you encounter Africanized bees:
Africanized bees found in Tennessee for first time
By John Platt
"The Tennessee Department of Agriculture released the following five steps to protect yourself if you encounter Africanized bees:
- Run.
- Cover your head with your shirt or jacket while running because Africanized bees tend to sting the face and head.
- Never stand still or get boxed into a place outdoors where you cannot escape the attack.
- Seek immediate shelter in an enclosed building or vehicle. Isolate yourself from the bees.
- Do not attempt to rescue a victim without the proper protective gear and training. Doing so could make you the second victim."
Africanized bees found in Tennessee for first time
By John Platt
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