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TUCSON, Ariz. — Africanized bees are being blamed for the death of four dogs in a neighborhood on the east side of Tucson.
The bees killed the three dogs at their house and a neighbor's dog. They think the attack started when a neighbor used loud landscaping equipment.
"It's like you're missing a part of your family," dog owner Sandy Moore said. "We have their beds where they sleep at in the house, and you walk past, and it's like losing part of your family."
Joe Jackson with Barrier Pest Management is removing the colony. He killed them with a pesticide vapor and has to take out the hive. It is one of the worst he has ever seen.
"I was suited up with a bee suit and they just all of the sudden attacked my whole arm," Jackson said. "They were all over my arm and all over the side of my face, so they were pretty aggressive."
With veterinarian, exterminator and construction bills, it has been a costly week for the Moores.
"A pretty penny," Moore said. "It's been a nightmare."
Firefighters will respond to emergency bee calls. They can spray foam to stop an attack, but homeowners have to get rid of colonies on their property.
"Definitely, try not to attack it yourself," Jackson said. "Get a professional to come out. That bee suit will save you, that's for sure."
Source: NBC 4 Tuscon
