Bee Proofing for Florida Residents Michael K. O’Malley, AFBEE Coordinator, Jamie Ellis, UF Assistant Professor of Entomology, Anita Neal, St. Lucie County Extension Director,

What is Bee-Proofing? The practice of removing potential honey bee nesting sites – Closing off or eliminating areas Recommended precaution due to presence of African honey bees in Florida

Why Bee-Proof a Property? Because African bees can nest ANYWYERE! Photo: Insect IQ Photo: W. H. Kern, Jr. Photo: Insect IQ

To save money on structural repair! Why Bee-Proof a Property? Photo: Insect IQ

To make it safer for family, neighbors, customers, students—everyone! African bees defend their nests more readily – Can send out several hundred bees to defend If a nest is near people, it will get disturbed – More stings will result Why Bee-Proof a Property?

How It Works Three steps to bee-proofing a property 1. Identifying potential nesting sites 2. Eliminating or limiting access to these sites 3. Conducting regular inspections to maintain property Photo: Insect IQ Photo: M. K. O’Malley

Identifying Potential Nesting Sites: Step One African honey bees can nest almost anywhere Some sites are more attractive May be difficult to bee-proof certain sites Holes in a structure that lead to an open space Any holes that are 1/8 th of an inch or larger

Identifying Potential Nesting Sites Old tires Trees Garages Outbuildings Sheds Walls Chimneys Playground equipment, etc. Abandoned vehicles Empty containers Places & objects with holes Fences Lumber piles Manholes Water meters Utility infrastructures

Photo: M. K. O’Malley

Photos: M. K. O’Malley

Photo: M. K. O’Malley

Eliminating or Restricting Access : Step Two Equipment list: silicone and latex caulking, caulking gun, roll of screen mesh, clippers to cut screen, staple gun, staples, wood filler, concrete filler, putty knife, duct tape, expanding foam, and carrying container Photo: M. K. O’Malley

Eliminating or Restricting Access Methods to restrict access 1. Filling the void – Expanding foam – Putty/filler – Caulking 2. Closing off the void – Screening – Duct tape Photo: M. K. O’Malley

Inspecting: Step Three Cannot eliminate EVERY nesting site – Still important to bee-proof areas attractive to bees or frequented by human traffic Check for activity – Bees entering or exiting an area – Bees on flowers are not a threat If a colony is found, contact a pest control operator Photo: M. K. O’Malley Photo: Photo: Insect IQ

Credits: Michael K. O’Malley, AFBEE Coordinator Jamie Ellis, UF Assistant Professor of Entomology Anita Neal, St. Lucie County Extension Director © 2007 University of Florida All photos used by permission