Africanized honey bee

On top of fire ants, Formosan termites, scorpions and other creatures small and scary, now comes the Africanized honey bee.

We certainly are fortunate here in the Northeast not to suffer the presence of so many damaging pest species, especially those that are known to bite people. The recent report out of Florida (from Northern Okeechobee County) of the first confirmed fatality from aggressive Africanized honey bee in the Sunshine state tells us how lucky we northerners are not to have this pest living in our yards and woodlands. The recently affected Floridian died from a fatal allergic reaction to hundreds of bee stings after an extended period of time on hospital life support. Not to be confused with our domestic, much calmer honey bees, the Africanized version can be downright nasty. This fatality brings to over 19 the number of known fatalities in the South from the AHB since 1990.

To deal with this growing problem and educate people how to protect themselves. Scientists at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services/Division of Plant Industry are cooperating on a Web site devoted to the African honey bee. The site contains textual information and downloadable files (handouts, presentations, etc.) for the use of Schools, PCOs, Homeowners, First Responders, Beekeepers, County Agents, Tourists, Veterinarians, Medical Personnel, Outdoor Workers, State Parks, and 4-H. (Some areas are still under development.) For those interested in knowing more go to: http://afbee.ifas.ufl.edu/