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.
African queen bees were released or escaped from breeding in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The Africanized honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellata) (AHB), sometimes called the “killer bee” was first bred in an attempt to create a honeybee that would better suit tropical conditions. In 1956, a geneticist by the name of Warwick Kerr began breeding European honeybees with Africanized honeybees. It was expected that while mated with European bees, the Africanized bees would lose their more aggressive nature. However, that was not the case and in 1957, 26 African queen bees were released from the breeding program in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

6. Distribution of AHB in the U.S.

7. Deep Water Ports of Florida

8. Africanized Honeybee Finds in Florida
Percent of Finds
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.
Africanized Honeybees pose a greater danger because of their defensive response. They are more easily provoked and respond sooner and attack longer than European Honeybees (EHBs).
Unlike EHBs, more bees respond (send out 3-4 times as many bees to respond to the threat) when provoked.
There are typically 10 times more sting per encounter with AHBs than EHBs.
They are more defensive of their nest.
They can chase you for up to a quarter of a mile.

10. Differences between AHB and EHB Swarming
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 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

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
Deleted pics??

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

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
Hole leading to cavity
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

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

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