Living with Africanized Bees Michael K. O’Malley, AFBEE Program Coordinator, Jamie Ellis, UF Assistant Professor of Entomology, Anita Neal, St. Lucie County Extension Director,

Apis mellifera spp.

1950’s

Southern Distribution of AHB USDA As of March 2008

Florida Counties to officially confirm AHB presence as of March 2008 USDA / FDACS-DPI

FDACS – DPI

More Bees (like the ‘good old days’) Photo: K. S. Delaplane

More Bees (like the ‘good old days’) Figures out of South America suggest feral colonies per square mile in areas where AHB occur UF/IFAS

Why African bees are so successful: Nest usurpation and queen take-over Drone abundance Dominance of African alleles African bee swarming tendencies and reproductive superiority Pest resistance Photo: G.W. Hayes Photo: Photo: M. K. O’Malley Photo: HBREL

African Bee European Bee Despite this, the average person cannot tell a difference! Photo: Sean McCann

Photo: G.Kastberger

Differences between AHB and EHB Hive Defense and Stinging AHB responds quicker and in larger numbers when colony is threatened. AHB remains agitated longer than EHB Disturbing an AHB colony can result in 6-10 times more stings than EHB Feral nests located near people are more dangerous if not removed Improper removal is dangerous for neighbors and bystanders

EHBs Show Little Defensiveness UF/IFAS

Defensive AHB colony UF/IFAS

Stinger Density UF/IFAS

Photo: A. Ellis Their behavior is extremely variable. Photo: USDA

Swarming involves honey bee reproduction at the colony level –About 60% of the bees leave colony with queen to establish new colony –Bees left behind rear new queen and remain a functioning colony AHBs swarm more frequently than the EHBs –EHB colonies swarm 1-2 times/year –AHB colonies can swarm 10+ times/yr AHB swarm is smaller than EHB swarm –Some aren't much larger than a coffee cup. 300 AHB swarms per square mile in Central America Differences between AHB and EHB Excessive Swarming

Differences between AHB and EHB Selection of Nesting Site EHBs are discriminating in selecting nest sites. –Large hollow cavities (about 10 gallons in size) –Above ground, clean, and dry voids –protected AHBs nest almost anywhere –Smaller, closer to the ground –Underground –Exposed nests in tree branches or elsewhere Difficult to detect AHB in varied nesting locations until too late

Q: Where do they nest?

A: Everywhere! Photo: J.D. Ellis Photo: W. H. Kern, Jr.

Photo: Insect IQ

Photo: Insect IQPhoto: W. H. Kern, Jr. Photo: Insect IQ

In summary, common nesting sites of AHB include: Abandoned vehicles Empty containers Places & objects with holes Fences Lumber piles Manholes Water meters Utility infrastructures Old tires Trees Garages Outbuildings Sheds Walls Chimneys Playground equipment, etc. Florida Dept. Ag.

Effects on Florida Agriculture Industry Beekeepers Everyone else

Beekeeper Considerations single hive stands White faced veils Jumbo smokers and copious amounts of smoke! Genetic Selection Education Photo: M. K. O’Malley Photo: UF / IFAS Photo: HBREL

Frequent requeening with marked queens from non-Africanized areas Negative impacts on beekeeping Loss of apiary locations Lower profit margin LIABILITY (from having and removing bees) Fewer hobbyists Loss of pollination contracts Resource competition (less honey) Photo: M. K. O’Malley Photo: Photo: M. K. O’Malley Photo:

Other Agriculture Considerations: Livestock Photo:

Pollination (and therefore food!) Photo:

Food Prices?!?!

At-Risk Groups Animals at risk –Tethered or restrained animals. –Penned, caged, or corralled. –Horses and bees don’t mix. Photo:

Tractor operators and other farm workers must remain alert Photo:

The elderly and youth tend to be most affected by AHB: In both instances, education is the key to preventing dangerous situations.

Precautions for the public Use caution as for snakes/ants Never approach hive equipment Never disturb a swarm Tractor operators take care Be aware of buzzing insect activity at all locations Examine suspect areas before entering or disturbing Be alert in all outdoor situations (hunting, hiking, working, picnicking, etc.) Teach respect and caution of bees Photo: Photo: M. K. O’Malley Photo: W. H. Kern, Jr. Photo: Photo: Insect IQ Photo: Photo: Sean McCann

‘Bee-proofing’ your schools, public facilities, homes, tourist sites, etc. Remove all potential nesting sites (garbage, tires, and other debris) From March-July (swarming season), inspect property weekly for the presence of unusual bee activity Inspect outside walls and eves of your structures Seal openings greater than 1/8-inch in walls, around chimneys, plumbing, and other openings by installing screens (1/8-inch hardware cloth) over such openings (rain spouts, vents, cavities of trees and fence posts, water meter/utility boxes, etc.)

During a stinging emergency: Do not stay in place and swat at bees (this always leads to more stings) Do not hide in water or thick underbrush (it may take bees 30+ minutes to calm down or leave an area – remember their colony is likely close) Do not attempt to remove swarm yourself Seek shelter (building, vehicle, etc.) Call 911 Do not attempt a rescue

And above all else… RUN

Photo: Zach Huang

The AFBEE Program African honey Bee Extension & Education Partnership between –University of Florida –Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services “Educate every Florida citizen and visitor about the presence of and living with AHBs”

The Website

If you have any AHB-related questions, call Jamie Ellis: UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology: ext: 130 – or Jerry Hayes: Florida DPI: ext:128 or Visit the AFBEE Program website

© 2007 University of Florida Michael K. O’Malley, AFBEE Program Coordinator Jamie Ellis, UF Assistant Professor of Entomology Anita Neal, St. Lucie County Extension Director ) Photos used by permission: Insect IQ William H. Kern, Jr. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Zach Huang photography USDA UF/IFAS Michael K. O’Malley Keith S. Delaplane Amanda Ellis Jamie Ellis G. Kastberger Sean McCann