Africanized Bee

Africanized “killer” bees look so much like European honey bees that the only way to tell the two apart is to measure their bodies, according to Campbell. These bees are slightly smaller and have a golden color with darker bands of brown. Although Africanized bee venom isn’t more dangerous than regular honeybee venom, the former tend to attack in greater, more dangerous numbers, Campbell says. If Africanized bees attack you, run quickly to shelter in a zig-zag pattern as soon as possible, Campbell suggests.

How to protect yourself: You can avoid attracting bees to certain areas by keeping both food and garbage in sealed containers, according to Campbell. Also, rinse out food containers before throwing them away. Finally, avoid wearing dark colors, floral prints, loose-fitting clothes, and sweet-smelling perfume or cologne to avoid attracting bees, Campbell says.