1. Bee-proofing presentation

2. Bee-Proofing for Florida Residents
Jeanette Klopchin, Extension Technician,
Jamie Ellis, UF Associate Professor of Entomology,
Anita Neal, St. Lucie County Extension Director,
Bee-proofing presentation

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

4. Why Bee-Proof a Property?
Because Africanized bees can nest ANYWYERE!
These picture show examples of where African honey bees may nest: inside walls of houses, in trees, under buildings, in water meters.
Photo: Insect IQ
Photo: Insect IQ
Photo: Insect IQ
Photo: W. H. Kern, Jr.

5. Why Bee-Proof a Property?
To save money on structural repair!
These pictures show examples of honey bee removal from homes. Significant structural repair is generally required by homeowner after honey beed have been removed.
Photo: Insect IQ

6. Why Bee-Proof a Property?
To make it safer for family, neighbors, customers, students—everyone!
Africanized bees can be highly defensive of their nest
Can send out several hundred bees to defend
If a nest is near people, it is likely to be disturbed
More stings will result from Africanized bee colony

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

8. Identifying Potential Nesting Sites: Step One
Africanized 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 1/8th of an inch or larger

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

10. nesting site for honey bees.
This photo illustrates a location that is difficult to bee-proof but is still a potential nesting side for African honey bees.
This photo illustrates a location that is difficult to bee-proof but is still a potential
nesting site for honey bees.
Photo: M. K. O’Malley

11. The hole in the tree in this photo is a likely nesting site for honey bees.
The hole in the tree in this photo is a likely nesting site for Africanized honey bees.
Photo: M. K. O’Malley

12. This photo shows a small opening that may be susceptible to African bees; the bees only need an opening 1/8” or larger to enter.
This photo shows a small opening that may be susceptible to bees; the bees only need an opening 1/8” or larger to enter.
Photo: M. K. O’Malley

13. The cinder blocks in this photo are a potential nesting site for bees.
The cinder blocks in this photo are a potential nesting site for African bees.
The cinder blocks in this photo are a potential nesting site for bees.
Photo: M. K. O’Malley

14. African honey bees may nest under eaves of houses like the one shown in this photo.
Photo: M. K. O’Malley

15. The opening in the siding around this pipe may be overlooked during construction, but is not small enough to stop honey bees from entering the walls and nesting.
The opening in the siding around this pipe may be overlooked during construction, but is not small enough to stop honey bees from entering the walls and nesting.
Photo: M. K. O’Malley

16. This photo is another example of a location that can not be bee-proofed; regular inspection is required to ensure no colonies develop.
This photo is another example of a location that can not be bee-proofed; regular inspection is required to ensure no colonies develop.
Photo: M. K. O’Malley

17. Small holes in poles, like the one shown here, are sometimes occupied by nesting honey bees.
Photos: M. K. O’Malley

18. Gutter downspouts are a potential nesting site for honey bees.
Photo: M. K. O’Malley

19. 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

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

21. Many exterior openings and cracks can be sealed using caulking.
Photo: M. K. O’Malley

22. Larger holes, such as the pipe shown here, can be covered with mesh screening.
Photo: M. K. O’Malley

23. Expanding foam can be used to fill smaller holes in the exterior of buildings.
Photo: M. K. O’Malley

24. Inspecting: Step Three
Photo: Insect IQ
Photo:
Photo: M. K. O’Malley
Check for activity
Bees entering or exiting an area
Bees visiting flowers are not a threat
Cannot eliminate EVERY potential nesting site
Regularly inspect property to check for bee activity and to maintain previously bee-proofed sites
BEE AWARE!

25. Credits: Michael K. O’Malley, Former AFBEE Coordinator
Jeanette Klopchin, Extension Technician
Jamie Ellis, UF Associate Professor of Entomology
Anita Neal, St. Lucie County Extension Director
© 2012 University of Florida
All photos used by permission