Dealing with Africanised Bees: Safety Tips for Beekeepers
This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.
Africanised bees – often called “African killer bees” in the media – are not a separate species, but a hybrid strain of honeybee with heightened defensive behaviour.
They’re not a new species, but a hybrid. The bees inherited a stronger defense instinct from their African ancestors. So, they react faster and in more significant numbers when they feel threatened. Their sting isn’t more potent, but they’re much quicker to use it. That is why they are considered more dangerous.
In South Africa, local Apis mellifera scutellata (African bee) naturally displays similar traits: high productivity, fast buildup, and strong defensiveness.
While not inherently dangerous, these bees require respectful, well-informed handling to prevent injuries and accidents, especially in urban or high-traffic locations.
Key Traits of Africanised/African Bees
- Quick to defend hive when disturbed
- May pursue threats for 100+ metres
- Swarm and abscond more often than European strains
- Build up fast in spring and summer
- Resilient to pests and diseases
Where Aggression Becomes a Risk
- Urban areas with children or pets nearby
- Peri-urban schools, clinics, or churches
- Public hiking paths or nature reserves
- Hives placed too close to human activity
Safety Guidelines for Beekeepers
1. Choose Apiary Locations Wisely
- Place hives at least 200 metres from homes or high-traffic areas
- Use fencing, hedges, or screens to direct bee flight paths upward
2. Always Use Protective Gear
- Full bee suit with veil and gloves
- Check for holes or loose zippers before approaching hives
- Carry a smoker and keep fuel dry
3. Inspect Calmly and Efficiently
- Work during sunny, warm mornings
- Avoid jarring the hive or crushing bees
- Use minimal smoke to reduce alarm pheromones
4. Handle Aggressive Colonies Quickly
- Requeen with gentler stock if available
- Move colony to isolated area if attacks persist
- Combine with another hive if queenless
5. Warn Others and Post Signs
- Inform neighbours or nearby landowners
- Post signs reading: “Warning – Active Beehives. Keep Distance”
- Avoid using hives for education demos if temperament is aggressive
6. Emergency Preparedness
- Keep antihistamines or an EpiPen nearby if allergic risk exists
- Have first aid knowledge or access to local emergency services
- Instruct staff, family, or farmworkers on what to do if stung
Tips for Managing Defensiveness
- Avoid strong perfume, sweat, or dark clothing
- Don’t work with hives in overcast or windy weather
- Use calm movements and reduce time spent inspecting
Final Thoughts
African bees are excellent honey producers and survivors, but managing their defensive behaviour is key to safe beekeeping in South Africa.
With the right gear, location planning, and calm handling, even high-performing colonies can be worked safely – especially when hives are kept out of high-risk public zones.