The wonderful things of spring: the scent of a Tombstone rose, the burst of Mexican poppies on Picacho Peak and a cool breeze across an Arizona porch.
The not-so-wonderful things of spring: the buzz of the killer bees swarming around those spring flowers, the rattle of a coiled diamondback as you hike the trail to the peak and the welt left behind by the bite of the black widow that's been nesting in your front-porch rocker.
Warmer days ahead means it's time to watch out for critters best left undisturbed.
AFRICANIZED BEES
When to watch out: Africanized bees, which swarm and sting when their hive is threatened, are active year-round, but especially during warm spring months when flowers are blooming.
Sting signs: The sting causes pain and swelling. When the bee stings, its stinger remains in the wound.
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Avoidance strategy: When Africanized bees feel their hive is threatened, they attack in swarms of thousands. If you're attacked, get indoors or inside a car or run away. You might have to run as much as a quarter-mile, but don't jump in water. They'll wait for you.
