To the dismay of local homeowners, Africanized Honey Bees have set up residence throughout much of Arizona. Although there are a variety of spiders, snakes, and scorpions that carry a much more powerful venom, the Africanized bee is by far the most aggressive insect throughout the state and will chase people or animals up to a quarter of a mile or more if they feel like their habitat is threatened. Once in defense mode the vast majority of the colony will swarm a single victim delivering multiple stings, and this overload of toxin can render a weakened immune system helpless within minutes.

The Africanized bee does show preference when choosing an area to colonize as long as there are ample resources available within the local area for it to survive. Loud noises from lawnmowers or other pieces of outdoor equipment can startle the colony and create a seemingly unprovoked attack, so it is important to survey the area before beginning any outdoor activity. Dark colored clothing is also more likely to draw the Africanized bee’s attention; while working outdoors within the vicinity of a hive light neutral colored clothing is highly recommended. The presence of a single bee is not cause for panic, but it may be a sign that a colony is near and the above precautions should be taken.

It is essential for Arizona residents to properly survey their property in search of this species, and unfortunately Africanized bees have no telltale differences in appearance from the more docile European Bees. While they do in fact serve an important role in the pollination of plants and flowers, health factors far outweigh their contribution to agriculture and a licensed professional should be contacted immediately to remove the hive from your area. If any bee colony is spotted near your residence it is essential that a specialist be contacted immediately; never attempt to extract or destroy a hive on your own.