Beekeepers in Barbour County collected a feral swarm of Africanized honeybees, a hybrid variety that is more aggressive than bees normally found in Alabama, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries said.

The ADAI said the bees were humanely euthanized to protect Alabama’s honeybee population.

The ADAI said it is deploying traps within a 5-mile radius of where the Africanized bees were found as a precaution. ADAI said it is committed to safeguarding pollinators and supporting local beekeepers.

“There is no reason for public concern at this time, but we are treating this situation seriously,” said Rick Pate, commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.

“Our team is actively collaborating with local beekeepers and entomology experts to ensure swift detection and appropriate response. Protecting both the health of our communities and Alabama’s honeybee populations is our top priority.”

Africanized honeybees were also found and euthanized in Alabama last year.

According to the ADAI, Africanized honeybees are a hybrid of African and European honeybees.

They are physically much like European honeybees but can exhibit more defensive behavior, particularly when protecting their colony.

The ADAI said it is important to note that honeybees, Africanized or European, do not pose a threat unless provoked.

The ADAI noted some key differences between Africanized and European honeybees.

Africanized bees:

• Are more defensive and may respond in greater numbers when disturbed.
• May swarm more frequently and nest in a wider variety of locations, including utility boxes, debris piles and underground cavities.
• May pursue perceived threats farther than European honeybees, up to a mile in some cases.

The ADAI recommends to the public:

• Do not attempt to disturb or remove any bee colonies or swarms.
• Report any unusually aggressive bee behavior to ADAI immediately.
• Beekeepers should remain vigilant and report any changes in colony behavior or suspected AHB presence.

People who believe they have encountered a colony of Africanized honeybees or would like more information can call the ADAI’s State Apiary Protection Unit at (334) 240-7228 or (334) 240-7172.