A hybrid strain of honeybee introduced into Brazil in the mid-1950’s and distinguished by aggressive traits such as the tendency to mass swarm and sting with great frequency. Africanized honey bees are well established in the wild population of honey bees in Texas. The Africanized bee appears identical to European honey bees. Individual foraging European and Africanized bees are highly unlikely to sting. A swarm rarely stings people when in flight or temporarily at rest. However, established Africanized colonies are more highly defensive toward perceived predators than European colonies.
Emergencies
The Duncan Valley Rural Fire District will respond to life-threatening situations, which involve bee attacks. For the purpose of this policy, immediate threat means people, pets and/or livestock are being injured by attacking bees. The purpose of our response is to remove any victim(s) from the hazard area as quickly as possible and begin emergency medical procedures (if necessary) to the level of the responders’ training. If a life-threatening situation occurs, call 911 to report the emergency.
Non-Emergency
The Duncan Valley Rural Fire District will respond to bee calls where the bees are located off or outside a structure of property of value. The Duncan Valley Rural Fire District will not respond to bee call where the bees are located on or inside a structure of property of value. The person responsible for the property shall contact a licensed exterminator to exterminate the bees.
