Africanized Honey Bees
Most of the bees in Maricopa County are classified as Africanized honey bees. These bees are similar to European honey bees, but much more aggressive. They are extremely vicious in defending their hive or colony. Africanized honey bees swarm several times during the year, moving their colony with them.
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Painful Symptoms of a Bee Sting
The severity of a reaction to a bee sting can vary for each individual. A typical reaction will result in pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site. Some individuals have severe allergic reactions to bee stings, which may require immediate medical attention. This is called “anaphylaxis” and may include one or more of the following symptoms.
This type of reaction can occur within minutes after the sting and may be life-threatening. Those who have experienced this type of reaction to a bee sting have a high chance of a similar reaction if stung again. If you have been prescribed medication to treat these severe allergies, always carry it with you, whenever you are outdoors.
- Hives, itching, or swelling in areas other than the sting site
- Tightness in chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Hoarse voice or swollen tongue
- Dizziness or sharp drop in blood pressure
- Unconsciousness
- Cardiac arrest