Oklahoma does have Africanized bees, also known as killer bees. I have personal experience with this as I am a gardening and landscaping expert in the area.
A few years ago, I received a call from a homeowner in Oklahoma who was experiencing a bee problem in their backyard. They described the bees as being very aggressive and easily provoked. Intrigued by their description, I visited their property to assess the situation.
Upon arrival, I immediately noticed the intensity of the buzzing sound coming from the hive. It was much louder and more persistent than what I typically hear from European honey bees. As I approached the hive, I could see the bees swarming around it in an agitated manner.
Concerned about the safety of the homeowner and their neighbors, I decided to collect a sample of the bees and send them to a laboratory at Oklahoma State University for identification. The results confirmed my suspicion – they were indeed Africanized bees.
Africanized bees are a hybrid of African and European honey bees. They were first introduced to the Americas in the 1950s, but rapidly spread throughout South and Central America. In recent years, they have made their way into the southern parts of the United States, including Oklahoma.
What sets Africanized bees apart from their European counterparts is their temperament. They are much more defensive and easily provoked. Even slight disturbances near their hive can trigger a defensive response, leading to aggressive behavior and stinging.
In the case of the homeowner I mentioned earlier, the only solution was to replace the Africanized queen with a European queen. The European queen is known to produce less aggressive offspring, making the hive more manageable and less of a threat to the surrounding area.
I assisted the homeowner in sourcing a European queen from a reputable beekeeper in the area. We carefully introduced her to the hive, ensuring that the Africanized queen was removed and replaced without causing further disruption to the colony.
It is important to note that Africanized bees are not inherently more venomous than European honey bees. However, their aggressive nature and tendency to attack in larger numbers can make their stings more dangerous, especially to individuals who may be allergic.
While Africanized bees are present in Oklahoma, it is essential to remain cautious and take appropriate measures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others. If you suspect that you have Africanized bees on your property, I highly recommend seeking professional assistance from a local beekeeper or pest control expert experienced in handling these types of bees.
