Africanized Honeybees Confirmed in Alabama

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has confirmed the presence of Africanized honeybees—often called "killer bees"—in Barbour County. A feral swarm was collected by local beekeepers and humanely euthanized to protect the state’s honeybee population.

In response, the Department has launched a monitoring effort, placing traps within a five-mile radius of the site to assess for additional activity. Commissioner Rick Pate emphasized there’s no cause for public alarm, but the situation is being taken seriously. The goal is to protect pollinators, support beekeepers, and ensure public safety.

Africanized honeybees look like their European counterparts but are more defensive, especially when protecting their colony. They may swarm more often, nest in unusual places like utility boxes or underground, and pursue threats farther—sometimes up to a mile.

Beekeepers are receiving guidance, and ADAI is collecting samples to support surveillance efforts. Anyone noticing unusually aggressive bee behavior should contact the Alabama Department of Agriculture’s Apiary Protection Unit at (334) 240-7228.

Do not attempt to remove bee colonies yourself.