2. Safe removal of Africanized honey bee colonies
Developed by:
Dr. Philip Koehler
Adapted by:
Michael K. O’Malley
Dr. Jamie Ellis
Dept. of Entomology & Nematology
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL

3. Part 1 Other Stinging Insects African Honey Bees
Differences between AHB and EHB
AHB Response and Control
Swarms: Trapping and Removal
Beeproofing

4. Social Vs. Solitary Honey Bees Bumble Bees Yellowjackets and Hornets
Paper Wasps
Ants
Large Carpenter Bees
Sweat Bees
Digger / Miner Bees
Mud Daubers
Cicada Killers
Velvet Ants
White Grub Hunters
Stinging insects are generally divided into to categories: social and solitary. Social stinging insects are really the ones that have a potential to cause concern since their nests are likely to contain many individuals, while the solitary insects—as the name implies—are solitary.

5. Social Bees and Wasps: colony sizes
Paper Wasps Polistes, and related tropical genera, have the fewest number of individuals,
Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) have in a colony:
Bald-faced Hornet, Vespula maculate, up to 5,000;
Yellow Jackets, Vespula sp.,1, ,000;
Honeybees, 5,000-60,000 Apis mellifera.
This is a breakdown of the average colony sizes of the social stinging insects. A paper wasp nest will usually have only about 6 – 50 individuals, bumblebees may have between 30 to 300 in a colony. A bald faced hornet nest which is similar to the yellowjacket, may contain up to 5000 individuals; yellow Jackets may have between 1000 or 100, 000 individuals, and honeybees will have between 5000 and bees in a colony.

6. Red Paper Wasp Polistes carolina St
Red Paper Wasp Polistes carolina St. Lucie County, Florida, USA April 29, 2006
Paper wasps may nest in almost any protected place; their small numbers usually result in 1 or 2 stings if the colony is disturbed

7. Mischocyttarus mexicanus - Lady Lake, Lake County, Florida, USA September 23, 2005
These little paper wasps are notorious for building their small nests in truly inconspicuous places. I’ve often encountered these wasps nesting under a palm frond.

8. Yellowjacket Vespula squamosa (Vespidae)
Yellow jackets usually nest in the ground. We have two species in Florida, the Eastern yellow jacket and the Southern yellow jacket. They become most defensive in the fall when the queen has started to produce reproductives.

9. Key to Florida yellowjackets
The white faced-hornet is related to the yellow jacket as well. One significant difference is that yellow jackets usually nest in the ground, while the white faced hornet always nests in the branches of trees.

10. Yellowjacket Nests (usually annual)
Nests are built entirely of wood fiber and are completely enclosed except for a small opening (entrance)
The life cycle of a yellow jacket nest: a mated queen will come out of hibernation and start construction of a small nest, usually in a rodent burrow. She will enlarge the burrow and continue to build the paper nest similar to a white-faced hornet’s nest, except it’s underground. These underground nests may cause a problem for some pesticides to penetrate the outer walls; however, if foam is used, it usually will fill the entire void and succeed in eradicating the colony.

11. Perennial Yellowjacket Nest
In south Florida, we see these perennial yellow jacket nests that can continue functioning from year to year; these are usually huge and be life threatening if disturbed.

12. Bald-faced Hornet
Bald-faced, or white-faced hornets are found throughout the eastern United States. They build their nests up in tree branches. Usually in the spring a mated queen will build a small nest and raise the first round of brood. Their nests can become about the size of a basketball by late summer or early fall.

13. European Hornet Vespa crabro
The European hornet is making its way down the East cost. It is quite large, and usually nests in hallow trees. We can expect this wasp to arrive in at least North Florida in the next couple of years.

14. Bumble Bees of Florida Bombus spp. (Apidae)
There are 5 species of bumble bees in Florida. The often nest in the ground or underneath protected objects, and they will use the nest of a bird or a small mammal like a mouse to start their nest and will enlarge it from there. Most people who are stung bumble bees don’t know that a nest exists until they disturb it.
Bombus fraternus
Bombus pennsylvanicus
Bombus impatiens
Bombus griseocollis
Bombus bimaculatus

15. Bumblebee Nest
Bumble bee nests can be quite large. Here you can see the queen in the center and cups that hold honey and developing brood.

16. Yellow jackets, Hornets, and Bumble bees can all sting through a bee suit.
When dealing with these defensive social insects, most removal experts wear multiple layers under their bee suits to add distance between the surface of the suit and their skin.

17. Apis mellifera spp.
When discussing African (or Africanized) bees, we could technically be talking about any one of a number of races of honey bees found in Africa. Beekeepers usually manage European honey bees: for example, Apis mellifera ligustica, the Italian bee, whose name you can see over Italy is popular with beekeepers. The African bee is the same species of honey bee that beekeepers manage; however it is a different subspecies or race: it is Apis mellifera scutellata. This name is appropriate because if you disturb a colony of African bees, you’ll want to scoot a lot of tail.

18. Florida Counties to confirm AHB presence
as of December 2007
This map shows the Florida counties currently officially reporting a presence of African bees. We expect that the bees will fill the entire state within the next couple of years.
USDA / FDACS-DPI

19. In Florida, an increasing percentage of feral honey bee colonies have been turning out to be African bees. We expect this figure to reach 100% within the next few years, as well—meaning that all wild or feral honey bee colonies will be African bees.
FDACS – DPI

20. Despite this, the average person cannot tell a difference!
African Bee
European Bee
Now, even though the bees are turning up more and more in the wild, it is impossible to tell them apart from European by looking at them. The African bee is actually about 10% smaller, but again, you cannot identify African bees by sight.
Photo: Sean McCann
Despite this, the average person cannot tell a difference!

21. African bees are identified using a series of morphological tests with measure the relationships between specific wing venations, among other things. Here’s a picture of Dr. Jamie Ellis conducting those measurements on a honey bee wing that has been projected onto a smart board.
Photo: G.Kastberger

22. Differences between AHB and EHB Hive Defense and Stinging
AHB responds quicker and in larger numbers when colony is threatened.
EHB: bees in response to disturbance 20 feet away
AHB: several hundred bees in response to disturbance 40 yards away
AHB remains agitated longer than EHB
Disturbing an AHB colony results in 6-10 times more stings than EHB
Nests are more dangerous if not removed
Improper removal is dangerous for neighbors and bystanders

23. Their behavior is extremely variable.
Photo: A. Ellis
Their behavior can be extremely variable; as a result; Defensive behavior cannot be used as an indicator to identify that a colony is African.
Photo: A. Ellis
Photo: USDA

24. Differences between AHB and EHB Excessive Swarming
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
Professionals need to
Trap swarms as they move into area
Remove swarms

25. 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

26. Personal Protective Equipment
Veil
Jacket
Full suit
veil attached
with detachable veil
Gloves
Taped or elastic
Boots

27. EMERCENCY honey bee calls….
AHB Response/Control
EMERCENCY honey bee calls….
WHO can respond?
First responders
Fire Departments
Police Departments
Animal Control Officers
Responders MUST be trained!

28. Subduing Bee Attacks
A wide spray of water and chemical wetting agent subdues Africanized honey bees

29. Saving Animals and People from Bee Attack
Put on protective equipment
Remove victim from area as fast as possible
Spray victim with foam agent/soapy water
Medical or veterinary attention for victim

30. Swarms: Trapping and Removal
Swarm trapping—catching a swarm before it settles on an object
Involves use of a trap and pheromone
Swarms eradicated while inside trap
Swarm removal—removing a swarm that has already settled on an object
Eradicate before it establishes a colony

31. Honey Bee Swarm Trapping
Swarms should be trapped to prevent bees from…
Stinging people and animals
Establishing a colony
Becoming defensive

32. Swarm traps swarm lure costs ~$2.50 swarm trap costs ~$15
HBREL
HBREL
swarm lure
costs ~$2.50
swarm trap
costs ~$15
Lures are used to attract bees to the trap
Cone-style swarm traps are made from recycled wood pulp

33. Setting Swarm Traps
Refer to ‘Swarm Trapping’ Edis document for assembly and pheromone information
Should be placed yards apart along edges of property
Place in high, shady area
Away from houses or buildings frequented by people

34. Eradicating Swarms… from swarm trap
Lower trap carefully
Use smoker in trap entrance
Place trap in plastic bag
Spray insecticides through bag into trap entrance

35. W.H.Kern, Jr.

36. The Buzzkillers

38. Swarms should be removed….
Swarm Removal
Swarms should be removed….
That have settled on an object
Tree, building, vehicle, anywhere!
That are in close proximity to people
Before they find a colony location
Before they become defensive
Swarms are usually docile
May be difficult to tell if comb is being built under bees

39. Eradicating Swarms… that have settled on an object
Soapy water works best
Do not use for established colonies—only swarms
Method using 5% soapy water
Mix 1 cup of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 gal water in a sprayer
Place an open garbage bag under swarm to catch bees as they fall
Wet surface of swarm with soapy water
Continue wetting as outer layers of soaked bees fall

40. Eradicating Swarms… that may be out of reach
Use a cardboard box or swarm trap
Wrap the box in plastic and tape
Cut hole in side
Place swarm lure in box
Wait for bees to move into box
Spray foam pesticide into box

41. Bee proofing Locate potential nest sites
Prevent nesting by eliminating access to or removing potential sites
Conduct regular inspections to maintain sites and detect swarms

42. Bee proofing Nest locations Examples: AHBs can nest almost anywhere
They favor a site with a small opening that accesses an open, shaded area
Examples:
water meters
manholes
Holes in utility poles
gutter down-spouts

43. HBREL

44. HBREL

45. HBREL

46. HBREL

47. HBREL

48. Restricting Access
Once potential sites are located, restrict access to them
Cover holes with 1/8” hardware cloth or screen
Fill cracks with caulking, expanding foam, or wood/concrete filler

49. Equipment for Bee Proofing
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
HBREL

50. Inspecting
It will be impossible to eliminate ALL potential nesting sites
Regular inspections are required during swarming season—March-July
To maintain bee-proofed property
To check for swarms that may have settled in the area
Look for unusual bee activity

51. Some sites are difficult to bee-proof….
HBREL

52. HBREL

53. HBREL

54. HBREL

55. Established Colony Removal
Safe removal of Africanized honey bee colonies: Part II
Established Colony Removal

56. Locating Nests Use principles from bee-proofing inspections
Look for bees entering/exiting a location
Single bees flying or visiting flowers are not an indication of a nest nearby
Listen for the hum of insect activity
Inspect for low colonies at ground level
Inspect for high colonies in tree branches, eaves, or attics

57. Locating Nests in Walls
It may be difficult to locate comb within walls
May be some distance from entrance used by bees
Methods for locating comb in wall
Feel sheet rock for warmth
Tap sheet rock for solid sound vs. hollow sound
Use stethoscope to listen for buzzing when tapping
Confirming location of comb
Drill a hole (1/16") close to the top of the wall
Bees hang combs from top of voids
Insert a stiff wire
Honey or wax should be on wire

58. Insecticides Foam Dust Liquid sprays Aerosols
Quickly blocks exits so bees cannot attack
Not for use near exposed wires
Dust
Helpful when nest is near exposed wires
Slower acting, but bee movement distributes through colony
Liquid sprays
Cannot just treat entrance to kill nest
Good for residual treatments to area of nest removal
Aerosols
Fast knockdown and kill
No residual action

59. Procedure for Controlling Nests
Clear the area so onlookers will not be attacked
notify neighbors, nearby business, or onlookers to stay in-doors
Apply initial foam in nest entrances to block attack
Wait for bees to die; then remove nest/dead bees
Comb must be cut out and removed!
Residual spray application to area of nest removal
Bee-proof area and advise client to have area structurally repaired

60. Specific Treatment Procedures
Clear area so onlookers will not get attacked
Run extension cord to nest
Night removal recommended to reduce number of bee-stragglers
Place light and insecticides near nest
Put on sting suit, respirator, hat, veil & gloves
Duct tape gloves to suit, suit to shoes
Locate entrance/exits and comb in nest
Inject foam into entrances/exits to block attack
You have 3 to 5 seconds to get the nest under control
Insert additional pesticides to eradicate majority of colony
Once bees are dead, remove nest and comb
Spray nest area with residual insecticides
Bee-proof area and advise client to have area structurally repaired, if needed

61. Insect IQ, Inc.

62. Insect IQ, Inc.

63. Insect IQ, Inc.

64. Necessity for Comb Removal
Simply killing the bees results in more problems
an unattended beeswax, honey, brood, and pollen will attract other insects and animals.
Wax moths will enter to consume the wax.
cockroaches and ants will find the brood and honey.
Decaying brood and fermenting honey will cause undesirable odors.
Melting wax and honey soaks into walls making them impossible to paint or wallpaper.
Walls will also remain moist to the touch for a considerable period of time.

65. Clean-up and disposal Remove the nest Place the nest in a garbage bag
Insect IQ, Inc.
Remove the nest
Place the nest in a garbage bag
Remove bag from premises
Apply residual pesticides

66. A Sample of Bees Collect a sample of at least 50 bees in alcohol
Label with date, location, description of colony
Send samples to
Jerry Hayes
Apiary Inspection Assistant Chief
ext. 128

67. Controlling Bees = Safer Areas for People, Pets, and Domestic Animals
Professional monitoring prevents establishment of dangerous colonies
Professional bee removal with proper equipment and procedures provides safe areas for work and play
Eliminates bees without hazard of bees attacking neighbors and bystanders
Protects at-risk animals and people from stings

68. AFBEE Program website http://afbee.ifas.ufl.edu Contains presentations
Documents/Articles
Fact Sheets
AHB announcements

69. All Photos Used by Permission:
Developed by:
Dr. Philip Koehler
UF Dept. of Entomology & Nematology
Adapted by:
Michael K. O’Malley
Dr. Jamie Ellis
Dept. of Entomology & Nematology
© 2007 University of Florida
All Photos Used by Permission:
Insect IQ, Inc
The Buzzkillers
USDA
HBREL
William H. Kern, Jr.
Willie the Bee Man, Inc.