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Controlling Africanized Honey Bees

Controlling Africanized Honey Bees. Philip G. Koehler Dept. of Entomology & Nematology University of Florida Modified by Anita S. Neal & Ed Skvarch St. Lucie County Extension. Domestic Honeybees (EHB). The Honeybee Colony. Apis Races 24 races of Apis mellifera.

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Controlling Africanized Honey Bees

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  1. Controlling Africanized Honey Bees Philip G. Koehler Dept. of Entomology & Nematology University of Florida Modified by Anita S. Neal & Ed Skvarch St. Lucie County Extension

  2. Domestic Honeybees (EHB)

  3. The Honeybee Colony • Apis Races • 24 races of Apis mellifera. • Different physical and behavioral characteristics - body color, wing length, susceptibility to disease. • Races can mate with each other.

  4. Nest • Colony may contain 40,000 to 60,000 or more bees during the late spring or early summer.

  5. Africanized Honey Bee (AHB) History • First bred to create a honeybee better suited for tropical conditions. • 1957 - 26 African queen bees were released or escaped from breeding in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

  6. Distribution of AHB in the U.S.

  7. Deep Water Ports of Florida

  8. Percent of Finds Africanized Honeybee Finds in Florida Year

  9. AHB - Behavior/Defensive Response • 3-4 times as many bees to respond to the threat. • 10 times more stings per encounter than European Honeybees. • Defend wider area around nest than European Honeybees. • Can chase victims for ¼ mile.

  10. Differences between AHB and EHBSwarming • AHB swarms more frequently than the EHB • EHB colony swarms every 1-2 yrs • AHB colony swarms 4-8 times/yr • AHB swarm is smaller than EHB swarm • Some aren't much larger than a coffee cup. • Swarming reduces the number of bees in a colony, • reduces work force • diminished honey production • Continuous monitoring is required to detect small swarms and incipient colonies before establishment

  11. Differences between AHB and EHBAggressive Hive Defense and Stinging • AHB responds quicker and in larger numbers when colony is threatened. • AHB remains agitated longer than EHB • Perturbing an AHB colony results in 6-10 times more stings than EHB • Nests are dangerous if not removed • Improper removal is dangerous for neighbors and bystanders

  12. Differences between AHB and EHB Reproductive Capacity • AHBs have higher brood production and less honey storage than EHB • AHBs produce more bees in a shorter period than EHB • Dangerous numbers of AHB bees develop rapidly Willie The Bee Man, Inc.

  13. African Swarm Invading European Colony

  14. AHB in Residential Areas Bees on a BBQ grill Bees on old tire http://www.state.ok.us/~okag/agri-ahb.htm

  15. Aerial nest in tree Insect IQ, Inc.

  16. At-Risk Groups • People likely to interact with bees • Outdoor workers • Military • Sports enthusiasts • Rescue personnel • People incapable of handling an interaction • Children • Elderly • Handicapped • Animals • Tethered or restrained animals • Penned, caged, or corralled

  17. Areas of Higher Risk for Bee Attack • Monitor or clear area before entry • Schools • Recreation and training areas • Lawnmowers, chain saws, weedeaters • Domestic animals • Large motorized equipment • Homes

  18. Bee Proofing • Africanized honey bees nest in a wide variety of locations • Need openings >1/8 inch • Cavity behind the opening for a nest • Eliminate shelter • Caulk cracks in walls, foundation, and roof • Fill or screen holes >1/8-inch in trees, structures, or block walls • Screen attic vents, irrigation boxes, and water meter box holes • Remove trash or debris that might shelter honey bees • Fill or cover animal burrows • Tight fitting window screens • Close shed doors tightly and keep in good repair Hole leading to cavity

  19. Swarm traps • Cone style trap is made from recycled wood pulp • Lures used to attract bees in swarm traps or hive www.beeequipment.com Swarm trap Swarm lure

  20. Swarm Traps • Entomologist Justin Schmidt examines an ARS honey bee trap used to lure Africanized bee swarms and prevent their establishment in walls of buildings. Captured swarms are easily removed or destroyed with soapy water.

  21. Controlling • This should be done only by a registered Pest Control Operator with a General Household Pest Control License that is wearing protective gear.

  22. What If You are Stung? - First Aid • Bees leave behind a stinger attached to a venom sac. Do not try to pull it out, as this may release more venom. Gently scrape it out with a blunt-edged object, such as a credit card or dull knife. Wash the area with soap and water. This should be done several times a day until the skin is healed.

  23. First Aid • Apply a cold or ice pack, wrapped in cloth for a few minutes. Apply a paste of baking soda and water and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, or dab on a bit of household ammonia. Take acetaminophen for pain. • HealthDayNews - ScoutNews LLC

  24. First Aid • Seek emergency care if you have any of these symptoms, because they indicate an allergic reaction: • Large areas of swelling • Abnormal breathing • Tightness in throat or chest • Dizziness • Hives • Fainting • Nausea or vomiting • Persistent pain or swelling

  25. Summary • Be Aware • Cover Your Face • Do Not Make Aggressive Movements • Move Quickly to Safe Areas • Contact a Bee Removal Service • Prevent / Remove Potential Nesting Sites

  26. Africanized Honey BeesWe Can Live With Them Contact St. Lucie County Extension 772-462-1660 http://stlucie.ifas.ufl.edu

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