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 January 2007

Florida Counties to confirm AHB presence as of December 2007 USDA / FDACS-DPI

FDACS – DPI

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

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.

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: M. K. O’Malley Photo: Photo: M. K. O’Malley Photo: HBREL

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 or 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

If you suspect Africanized bees or you have any AHB-related questions, call Jamie Ellis: 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