Overview

• Africanized honey bees, introduced to Brazil in 1956, have migrated steadily northward and are now confirmed in 13 states from Arizona to Georgia.
• A Texas man was killed this month by a swarm near his property and several people in Arizona required hospitalization after disturbing hives.
• State and local agencies have ramped up trapping, euthanization and licensed hive removal to track colonies and stem further expansion.
• Though their venom potency matches that of European honey bees, Africanized bees defend hives with larger swarm sizes and can pursue threats for up to a quarter mile.
• Experts urge residents to avoid swatting or seeking water if attacked and to contact pest control professionals rather than attempting hive removal.