Beekeepers look for Africanized bees

Two swarms of Africanized Honeybees (AHB) have been found in Alabama in Jackson and St. Clair Counties, according to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). Local beekeepers collected and euthanized the swarms to protect Alabama’s native honeybees. ADAI then set traps within a five-mile radius of the discovery sites to trap and identify any remnants.

In addition, ADAI has notified all beekeepers in the infiltrated area to be on the lookout for any additional feral bees. Beekeepers have been trained on how to identify and manage AHB and to report suspicious bee activity. The goal is to protect residents and local bee colonies and to prevent the spread of the aggressive invaders.

Africanized Honeybees look similar to European Honeybees (EHB) but behave differently. Neither type of honeybee will just attack humans or animals, and they sting only as a defensive behavior to protect their young and their food supply. Africanized honeybees are more defensive and more easily disturbed, and they respond in greater numbers, pursuing a threat for over a mile. At the same time, an EHB will stop after a few feet. AHB nest in any available cavity or even in the open, while EHB nest in larger cavities above ground, such as hives, hollow trees, cavities in walls and occasionally on a tree limb.

Winston Pruitt, president of the Clarke County Beekeepers, said no Africanized Honeybees have been seen in this area. He pointed out, however, that even local bees can sometimes be aggressive.

“It depends on how and when you work them,” he said.

Africanized Honeybees take over a weak colony and mate with the queen, producing many offspring.

“Our folks know about this, and they know what to do if they spot these honeybees,” he added. “Right now, we are not concerned, but we are being watchful and careful. Our members order their queens from reputable dealers who have had them tested for the Africanized gene. Hopefully, this will keep them away from this area.”

AHB can pose a risk to both humans and animals.

Anyone who encounters these bees should avoid provoking them and seek professional help for removal. Anyone who believes that they have found a colony of Africanized Honeybees should call the State Apiary Unit at 334- 240- 7228. For further information about bees, check out ago. alabama.gov/plantprotection/apiary-protectionunit.