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)

 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. The Honeybee Colony

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

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

Distribution of AHB in the U.S.

Deep Water Ports of Florida

Africanized Honeybee Finds in Florida Percent of Finds Year

 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. AHB - Behavior/Defensive Response

 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 Differences between AHB and EHB Swarming

Differences between AHB and EHB Aggressive 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

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.

African Swarm Invading European Colony

AHB in Residential Areas Bees on a BBQ grill Bees on old tire

Aerial nest in tree Insect IQ, Inc.

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

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

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

Swarm traps  Cone style trap is made from recycled wood pulp  Lures used to attract bees in swarm traps or hive Swarm trap Swarm lure

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.

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

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. What If You are Stung? - First Aid

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

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

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

Africanized Honey Bees We Can Live With Them Contact St. Lucie County Extension