Africanized honey bee

Africanized Honeybees Confirmed in Alabama: ADAI Launches Containment Effort

Dan Alabama, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI), Industry

Alabama Department of Agriculture Responds Swiftly to Protect Beekeepers and Pollinators

Africanized Honeybees
An Africanized honey bee (left) and a European honey bee on honeycomb. Despite color differences between these two bees, mostly they can’t be identified by eye.
Photo by Scott Bauer, USDA/ARS

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has confirmed the presence of Africanized Honeybees (AHB) in Barbour County, after a feral swarm was collected by local beekeepers. The swarm was safely euthanized to protect the state’s honeybee populations.

In response, ADAI is deploying monitoring traps within a five-mile radius of the detection site to assess potential spread. These efforts reflect the agency’s strong commitment 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 Commissioner Rick Pate. “Our team is actively collaborating with local beekeepers and entomology experts to ensure swift detection and appropriate response.”

Beekeepers are receiving guidance to identify and manage AHBs, and the department will collect additional samples as needed to support its surveillance.

What Are Africanized Honeybees?

Africanized honeybees are hybrids of African and European honeybees. While similar in appearance to European bees, they exhibit heightened defensiveness, particularly when their colony is threatened. Notably:

  • AHBs respond more aggressively and in larger numbers when disturbed.
  • They nest in a broader range of locations, including underground or in debris.
  • They may pursue perceived threats for up to a mile—farther than European bees.
Public Recommendations:
  • Do not disturb or attempt to remove bee swarms.
  • Report aggressive bee behavior to ADAI immediately.
  • Beekeepers should stay alert to any changes in colony behavior.

To report activity or for more information, contact ADAI’s State Apiary Protection Unit at (334) 240-7228 or (334) 240-7172, or click here.

ADAI would like to share their registered beekeeper referral list!

This list connects the public with experienced beekeepers who can safely remove honeybee swarms, and allow ADAI bee inspectors to focus on Africanized honeybee cases. By referring to this registered beekeepers list, ADAI inspectors can better assess Africanized bee cases, while also ensuring professional swarm removal.

By: The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries