****************************************
BEE RESOURCE MANUAL
with
emphasis on
The Africanized Honey Bee
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Published and
Distributed by the
Armed
Office of the
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense
(Installations
& Environment)
November 2005
All the
publicity about Africanized bees, from killer bee honey to tabloid journalism,
may actually have helped the beekeeping industry. The movies, books, and press
reports have brought bees to the public's attention, and beekeepers have
capitalized on this notoriety to make their point that bees are a critical part
of North American agriculture, particularly with regard to crop pollination. We
can expect a new wave of publicity as the bees spread through the southern
Table of Contents
BIOLOGY AND HABITS OF THE HONEY BEE
THE AFRICANIZATION OF THE HONEY BEE
Aggressive Hive Defense and Stinging
ELISA Procedure for AHB Proteins
Monitoring the Natural Dispersion of the AHB with Pheromone Traps
First Aid for Stinging Victims
Problems Associated With Bee Control
Safening Recreation Areas and Training Sites
Lawnmowers, Weedeaters, and Chain Saws
WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AFRICANIZED HONEY
BEES
Most of the information in this Technical Guide was compiled by Charles L.
Cole, Professor and Extension Entomologist, and Millisa
A. Rowell, Extension Assistant, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Riverside
Campus,
For assistance with desktop publishing, we thank Ms. Nancy Owens, Ms. Neena Hancock, and Ms. Diane McMillon,
Office Automation Department,
Final writing, editing, review and formatting of this document were the responsibility of Capt. Armando Rosales, USAF, Dr. Richard G. Robbins, DPMIAC/AFPMB, and Dr. Edward S. Evans, Jr., Entomological Sciences Program, USACHPPM.
Since their introduction into the
What are Africanized bees and their significance? Africanized bees are
simply a strain of Apis mellifera,
the same species introduced from
The newly released AHBs survived exceptionally
well in
1. Africanized bees are extremely sensitive to the slightest disturbance, and the hive responds with massive and persistent stinging attacks.
2. Africanized bees are difficult to manage and have a strong tendency to leave existing hives (abscond) and settle elsewhere.
3. Africanized bees, although better at surviving in the tropics, are poor producers of surplus honey.
By the time these negative aspects were understood, the Africanized strain
had already established a permanent presence in the
Although AHBs weren't the monsters seen in popular
fiction, people and endemic animals in the
AHBs are a real and significant threat for those who must live with them, but they can be dealt with as long as the appropriate precautions and control measures are taken. This Technical Guide has been developed with the assistance of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service to provide DoD pest management and public health officials with an understanding of honey bee biology, the potential impact of AHBs, and the measures we must undertake to assure the wellbeing of our personnel.
An informative video overview covering general AHB biology and personal
safety from stings has been produced by the U.S. Army Academy of Health
Sciences. Africanized Honey Bees, A
1701-92-0121 (TVT 8-223), runs
BIOLOGY AND HABITS OF THE HONEY BEE
The honey bee undergoes complete metamorphosis, passing through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Bees develop into three different castes: workers, queens, and drones.
Developmental time and longevity vary with each caste and among races. Table 1 shows the difference between AHBs and EHBs. When honey bees emerge as adults, they continue to develop. At first their body is soft, but the cuticle hardens in about 12-24 hours. During the next few days, glands and reproductive organs (in the queens and drones) develop and mature. Drones produce semen in about 12 days and queens begin to lay eggs about three days after mating. In a typical colony there will be only one laying queen, about 100 – 300 drones, and about 20,000 - 60,000 workers.
When mature, virgin queens take a mating flight and mate with 10-15 drones. In about three days the queen begins to lay eggs. A queen may lay as many as 1,500 eggs in a single day and around 200,000 eggs in a year. The queen controls whether or not the eggs are fertilized, using sperm stored in her spermatheca. Fertilized eggs develop into females (workers) and unfertilized eggs develop into males (drones). About 99 percent of the eggs laid by a queen are fertilized and develop into workers.
Swarming is the natural means of honey bee dispersion. A new honey bee colony is established after a swarm leaves an established colony to seek a new location. A swarm consists of the old queen and about half the bees from the old colony. The swarm flies from a few to several hundred yards and lands on a low-hanging tree limb or other structure. From there, scout bees seek out a suitable area to establish a new colony. Swarms may stay in their temporary location from a few hours to a few days. It is during this time that bee swarms may be hived by beekeepers and managed for honey and wax production.
Absconding is a behavioral trait of all honey bees. It is much more common in the AHB than in the EHB. Absconding occurs when all the adult bees, including the queen, workers and drones, leave the old nest and relocate to a new site. Absconding is usually the result of a severe disturbance, such as predator activity, flooding, starvation, or other major stress. Absconding bees may travel 30-50 miles before finding a suitable nest site. Long flights may have to be interrupted several times to forage for food.
Worker bees forage for nectar, pollen, propolis, and water. They bring these raw materials back to the colony for use or storage. Nectar is converted from sucrose, a complex sugar, into fructose and glucose, simple sugars, by enzyme activity in the bee's "honey stomach." Then it is dehydrated from 60 to 65 percent water to the 17 to 20 percent water found in ripe honey.
Worker bees also forage for propolis, often called "bee glue." Propolis is a mixture of tree resins and bee wax. It is used to secure and seal cracks and crevices within the colony.
Water is collected by foragers and has three important functions in the colony: to dilute thick honey, to maintain the desired humidity in the hive, and to maintain the proper temperature.
Stinging is a defensive behavior. Virtually all defensive behavior is in the immediate vicinity of the hive. Away from the hive, bees literally have to be forced to sting. Swarming bees are rarely defensive and do not sting unless provoked. However, "hunger swarms" or absconding bees are usually very defensive and are frequently the cause of stinging incidents.
A bee's stinger is barbed so that when it stings, the stinger, poison sac, surrounding muscles and nerves are torn from its body. Thus, a bee can sting only once, after which it soon dies. After the bee has departed, the stinger will continue to pump venom until it dries up. An alarm pheromone (odor) is also released that will attract other bees to the area and prompt an aggressive response, thus increasing the chances of additional stinging. The alarm pheromone response is one of the biggest factors in the AHB's excessive stinging characteristic.
Stimuli that have a tendency to increase the defensive behavior of bees include sudden and rapid movements, jarring or bumping hives or frames, vibrations and noise such as operating lawn mowers or tractors, odors (both good and bad), and dark colors. Bees are also more defensive in cooler, cloudy weather.
Several basic differences exist between the activities and habits of temperate honey bees (European strains) and tropical honey bees (the Africanized strain). These are listed in Table 2.
THE AFRICANIZATION OF THE HONEY BEE
The Africanized honey bee is simply a hybrid honey bee, a result of breeding
the European honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera, with the African honey bee, Apis mellifera scutellata. The genetic
differences in the hybrid Africanized bee make its habits different from those
of the domestic European honey bee cultured in the
AFRICANIZATION
The AHB is the same species of honey bee commonly cultured for honey and wax
production and for pollination services.
It is a hybrid resulting from crossing a tropical (African) strain and a
temperate (European) strain of honey bee.
These two strains have been isolated genetically for more than 2,000
years. They have been separated environmentally
by more than 70 degrees of latitude and geographically by the
For more than 300 years honey bees have been bred in the
The African strain of the honey bee is a tropical bee and has been selected by nature more than by man. African bee strains tend to be more defensive, swarm more often, and don't conform as well to our "American" bee management practices.
In 1956, a Brazilian researcher went to
Once released into nature, the AHB spread throughout
In advance of the natural spread of the AHB, numerous
"man-assisted" swarms were detected in the
The name "Killer Bee" evolved in a unique way. It was first used in 1965 by Time Magazine
when recapping a press release from the Brazilian military, which at the time
was trying to discredit certain scientists by reporting all stinging incidents,
including those from wasps, as due to the AHB.
The name caught on and has been used in at least four movies in the
Ironically, the paranoia created by misinformation and exaggeration could mask some real problems associated not only with the AHB but also with the EHB, wasps, and other stinging insects.
A number of specific behavioral characteristics have been identified in the AHB.
Aggressive Hive Defense and Stinging:
Although the AHB does not attack unprovoked, it is very defensive of its colony. When compared to the EHB, it is much easier to provoke. The AHB responds quicker and in larger numbers when its colony is threatened. Also, once provoked, the AHB remains agitated for a longer period of time than does the EHB. Disturbing an AHB colony may result in 6-10 times as many stings as European bees inflict. This phenomenon is attributed to the AHB's more acute sensitivity and response to the "alarm pheromone," a chemical odor that is released after stinging is initiated.
The AHB will swarm more frequently than the EHB. Typically, an EHB colony swarms once every year or two; an AHB colony may swarm 4-8 times a year. Generally, an AHB swarm is much smaller that an EHB swarm; some aren't much larger than a coffee cup. Swarming reduces the number of bees in a colony, thus reducing the work force, resulting in diminished honey production. Management practices directed at reducing swarming, such as dividing large colonies into smaller colonies and frequent harvesting of honey, add costs for beekeepers.
While absconding is rare in the EHB, it's rather common with the AHB. Absconding not only results in loss of a managed colony but adds to the feral population competing with managed bees for nectar and pollen.
EHBs are very particular in selecting nesting sites. They prefer hollow trees, wall voids or other cavities (about 10 gallons in size) well above the ground that are clean and dry. The AHB will nest almost anyplace that is protected from the weather. Selected sites are often much smaller, closer to the ground, and may not be as protected from the elements. This lack of selectivity is thought by some to be due to greater competition resulting from the larger number of AHB swarms.
Compared with the EHB, the AHB devotes a greater percentage of its nest to brood production and less to honey storage. Because the developmental period of the AHB is shorter than that of the EHB, it's able to produce more bees in less time.
In areas where the AHB has become established, a noticeable increase in the number of feral honey bee colonies occurs. This is generally thought to be the result of higher reproductive capacity, increased swarming rate, and tendency to abscond. However, in much of the area where the AHB is now established, feral colonies were extremely rare, probably because the EHBs were not adapted to the tropical climate. This marked increase of feral colonies may not be as great in an area where feral bees are common.
Robbing is a type of foraging behavior where bees take honey from other bee colonies. This often occurs when nectar is scarce or unavailable, or when some colonies are weak and others are strong. Robbing weakens colonies and may spread diseases and parasites.
Since the AHB is tropical in nature, it may not be able to regulate its body temperature as efficiently as the EHB. Studies indicate that the AHB does not form as efficient a cluster during cold weather as the EHB.
Many researchers have reported that AHB swarms often take over EHB colonies,
particularly colonies which do not have functional queens. However, EHB swarms will do the same. The importance of such takeovers is
questionable. Work by researchers at the
An AHB colony produces more drones than an EHB colony of equal size. In areas where the AHB has become established, the EHB queens appear to mate with AHB drones at a much higher frequency than with EHB drones. Similar behavior in areas where large numbers of EHB colonies are maintained is being studied.
Identifying the different races of honey bees and their hybrids is very difficult. The characteristics used for identification differ only slightly and overlap considerably among individuals. Accurate identification is not only difficult but time-consuming and expensive.
Rapid and accurate identification of AHB and EHB strains is very important for monitoring the presence and spread of bees through an area. This element is essential in implementing regulatory and management actions involving AHBs. Several techniques have been used to identify AHB, though none are 100 percent effective. They include:
1. Morphometrics: This technique utilizes precise measurements of specific body parts. Computer-assisted measurements are made of 25 characters on 10 bees. An average is determined and used to distinguish the EHB from the AHB. Variations of this technique include the Fast Africanized Bee Identification System (FABIS), in which only three characters are measured. The FABIS II technique uses seven measurements.
2. ELISA Procedure for AHB Proteins: The ELISA procedure for identifying the AHB uses electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing to identify specific proteins unique to the AHB. About 90 percent of all AHB contain at least one of these proteins. A sample of three bees can provide an accuracy of 99.9 percent.
3. DNA Analysis: DNA contains the molecular code for genetically inherited characters. Bee DNA can be extracted and used to identify the AHB.
4. Other Sources: Other techniques for identifying different strains of the honey bee include cuticular hydrocarbons, flow cytometry, and the use of a portable audiometer.
Monitoring the Natural Dispersion of the AHB with Pheromone Traps
The northward movement of the AHB has been monitored through South and
1. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), of the USDA.
2. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS), of the USDA.
Although serious reactions from bee venom occur in only a very small percentage of the population, all persons should be aware of the possibility that medical complications may result from stings to themselves, children, and others.
This section addresses the medical aspect of bee stings. It provides information on the venom itself
and reactions to the venom. Also
included is information on symptoms, first aid, and diagnosis of stings.
Specific at-risk groups are discussed as well as what may be done to reduce the
risk of interaction with bees. A review
of the problems associated with the AHB in
Reactions to honey bee stings range from slight pain and swelling to much more serious symptoms, including anaphylaxis (Chart 2). Doctors, Emergency Medical Services, and other health care personnel are well educated in the diagnosis and treatment of bee stings and anaphylaxis.
The venoms of the AHB and the EHB are almost identical. Medical literature provides no evidence suggesting that AHB stings are more toxic than EHB stings. The amount of venom per sting does vary between the AHB and the EHB, with the AHB having approximately 27 percent less venom per sting. The smaller size of the AHB is the primary reason for the smaller amount of venom.
In the
The impact of the AHB on public health and on the health of domestic animals
will depend on three factors. First, and
probably most important, is the amount of contact between the AHB and the
public, or their domestic animals.
Second, the degree of knowledge the public has about encounters with the
AHB, with stinging incidents, and how to deal with them. Third, the availability and quality of medical
assistance available. As the AHB
progressed through South and
Because of increases in numbers of feral bee colonies when the AHB becomes established in an area, and the possible increased interaction with people and animals, the number of stinging incidents should increase, as will the number of people requiring medical treatment. Some predictions estimate stinging incidents increasing to four or five times present levels. The number of serious incidents can be reduced significantly through an intense educational program to inform the general public on how to deal with bees and potential bee problems.
All persons should know whether or not they are hypersensitive to bee and wasp stings. Persons who do not know should see their doctor and be tested. Hypersensitive persons should carry medication when frequenting an area where interaction with bees and wasps may occur. Parents of hypersensitive children should alert school nurses, day care facilities, or babysitters concerning their children's condition, and provide medications where necessary. Hypersensitive persons should inform fellow students, business associates, coworkers, or fellow sports enthusiasts of their condition.
All persons should be familiar with the symptoms of hypersensitivity and, if symptoms occur after being stung, should seek medical attention immediately.
A single bee sting is seldom fatal unless one has a severe allergic reaction. Swelling of the affected area is a normal reaction to bee stings and does not indicate a systemic allergy. Early symptoms of an allergic reaction include a tingling sensation on the palms, bottoms of the feet, tongue and lips, tightening of the throat, dizziness, and nausea. Allergy tests are available but can be expensive. If their normal routine does not bring them in contact with insects, people should not have to take the test. However, beekeepers or other persons who work where bees are present should take the test. As well, fire fighters or police officers who may be answering emergency calls for insect stings should be tested. Allergy testing will determine how sensitive a person is, and will build up the person's immunity with small, regularly scheduled injections of the bee venom. Kits are available as a prescription item for people who are allergic to bee stings. Such kits are equipped with syringes and epinephrine for emergency treatment.
First Aid for Stinging Victims
1. If the victim is showing no signs of dizziness or difficulty in breathing, or has been stung only once, practical first aid measures are:
A. Remove sting with a sideways scraping movement of a fingernail, credit card, or dull knife to prevent more venom from being pumped in by the venom sac. Do not use tweezers or squeeze the sting, as this will inject more venom into the victim. The venom from an AHB sting is no more toxic than that of other bees.
B. Apply a baking soda and cold cream paste, or wet salt. To be most effective, do this within five minutes after the sting.
C. Apply an ice pack to relieve pain and calamine lotion to relieve itching.
D. Watch for any unusual reaction, such as the appearance of red blotches anywhere on the body within 2 to 20 minutes, or breathing difficulties. People who experience difficulty in breathing after having been stung by any insect must seek medical attention within 15-20 minutes. Administer artificial respiration or CPR if the victim stops breathing.
E. Administer anaphylaxis treatment to those individuals who are severely allergic to bee stings and have been prescribed treatment by a physician.
2. Keep the victim calm.
3. Give the victim an antihistamine tablet, if available. First aid kits for treating localized bee stings are available at some sporting and camping stores.
4. Take people who have been stung repeatedly to a medical facility for a complete examination. Remove stings as described earlier.
5. Seek medical attention immediately if a person with health problems is stung by an insect.
6. Stay with the victim until medical care is obtained.
Accurate records of stinging incidents seldom exist. Even records of serious, multiple stinging incidents often are at best sketchy. If AHB has become established in your area, then routine procedures for reporting AHB findings and attacks should be established.
Certain groups in the population may be considered "at-risk" for incidents involving bees. These groups fall into two categories: those who are more likely to interact with bees, and those who are incapable of handling an interaction with bees.
Children: Children may fall into either of the above categories. Playing outdoors, children are exposed to habitats that increase the chances of interaction with bees. Upon encountering bee swarms or colonies, children have a tendency to disturb them. This can bring about a defensive reaction from the insects, resulting in a serious incident. Younger children encountering bees in a defensive behavior may not know what to do, or may not be able to seek cover. Therefore, they can be extremely vulnerable.
Children should be taught what bees look like. They should be instructed to avoid possible problems. The following instructions may be used even with very young children:
1. Keep your distance (Stay away).
2. Don't disturb (Bug a Killer Bee NOT!).
3. Leave the area (Do not bug a bee).
4. Report the incident (Tell parents, teachers, or other adults about the bees).
Elderly: Elderly people who can't move out of an area rapidly can be vulnerable to multiple stings if bees are encountered. The physical condition and health of an elderly person may also place them in the at-risk group. The elderly need not give up picnics or outings, or such recreational pursuits as hiking, fishing, hunting, or other outdoor activities. However, they should consider the possibility of encountering bees and prepare for such an encounter. Suggestions for those wishing to frequent habitats favorable to bees and wasps are listed below:
1. If possible, have the area "checked out" in advance.
2. If possible, always have "cover" near by, such as a vehicle, house, or barn.
3. Always bring a companion along (two are even better).
4. If bees are encountered, do not disturb them.
5. Carry some type of protection, such as a blanket in a boat or tarp in a vehicle.
Handicapped: Handicapped persons placed in a situation where bees are in a defensive action may not be able to leave the area or seek cover fast enough to prevent multiple stings. Those requiring assistance walking could be especially vulnerable. Handicapped persons should avoid habitats that may contain bees. If they wish to frequent such areas, the following suggestions may help prevent problems:
1. Have the area scouted for stinging insects prior to use.
2. Avoid use of perfumes, shaving lotions, hair sprays, and other sweet-smelling cosmetics.
3. If encountered, do not disturb bees.
4. Carry a blanket, jacket, or other protective covering to use if bees attack.
5. Arrange for emergency assistance beforehand.
Outdoor Workers and Military: Persons working outdoors could be considered at risk if their work involves exposure to habitats likely to be occupied by bees. The risk is greater when operating mowers, weed eaters, heavy equipment, chainsaws, or other tools that may provoke defensive behavior from bees. Workers unable to flee, such as those on poles or scaffolding, are at higher risk. Military, such as infantry, may move into unknown areas containing bee populations. Even night maneuvers can bring personnel in contact with bees. Personnel should be instructed in the possibility of encountering bees and other venomous pests. If a few commonsense steps are followed, work should not be hampered, even in areas that most likely contain bees:
1. Check out areas where workers' mobility may be restricted (poles, towers, manholes, scaffolding, under buildings).
2. If bees are encountered, do not disturb them.
3. Contact an authorized and experienced person to eliminate the bees before work continues.
4. If risks are great and encounters frequent, protective equipment, such as a veil and full bee suit or coveralls, should be available for use.
Sports Enthusiasts: Hunters, fishermen, hikers, and other sports enthusiasts can be at-risk due to their increased chances of entering bee habitats. Sports enthusiasts may reduce the risk of bee stings by following a few commonsense suggestions:
1. Always be on the alert for potential problems.
2. Check out cabins, deer stands, and boats before use.
3. Seek help or advice from an experienced person before attempting to eliminate bee colonies.
4. Do not attempt to "burn-out" bee colonies by pouring gasoline or other flammable liquids on them.
5. KNOW if you are hypersensitive to bee venom and carry necessary medication.
6. If you are hypersensitive, always participate with a companion.
Honey bees play an important role in agriculture. For decades entomologists have been including a strong statement about the protection of honey bees in their insect control guides and pest management programs. However, when honey bees become a threat to public health or the welfare of domestic animals, they must be dealt with differently. When bees colonize an area frequented by humans or domestic animals, they become a pest or health risk. At such times they must be removed or eliminated.
Bees that need to be removed fall into two categories: swarms and established colonies.
Bee Swarms: Capturing swarms is a common method of obtaining bees by hobbyists and commercial beekeepers. Swarms are captured and introduced into hives with removable frames, where they can be managed properly for honey production or pollination services.
Capturing a swarm is a relatively easy procedure because bees are not defensive when swarming. However, it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with the habits of bees or who don't have the proper protective equipment.
Once the AHB is established in an area, it is more difficult to get beekeepers to capture swarms for their own use. They will not wish to risk capturing a swarm that may be Africanized.
Swarms seldom remain long before scout bees find a suitable site to colonize. However, it may be desirable, in an area where the AHB is established, to eliminate swarms in an effort to prevent colonization of certain sites, such as in or near dwellings.
Swarms may be eliminated with approved insecticides. They may also be eliminated by spraying with soapy water. Liquid dishwashing detergent in a 5% solution is recommended (1 cup of detergent/gal). A high volume spray achieves the best effect. Avoid fine mists.
A swarm of honey bees is a temporary inconvenience that may last a few hours or days. Honey bees in a swarm are usually gentle because they have stomachs full of honey. If left undisturbed, a swarm will locate new quarters and often disappear as quickly as it appeared. In the past, local beekeepers collected swarms to put into their unused hives. They would at times charge a nominal fee for their time and effort.
REMEMBER: a swarm is only temporary and will move away as soon as the bees find a new home. Only in unusual situations will a swarm remain to build comb and not move from a cluster site.
Bee Colonies: Although feral colonies seldom cause problems unless provoked, if they are established in an area where interaction with man or domestic animals may occur, they should be eliminated. Once a colony is established it will defend its nest. Only experienced persons with protective equipment should attempt to remove or eliminate bee colonies.
Numerous insecticides are approved for use on bees. These chemicals are very effective when used properly. Detergent or soapy water doesn't work effectively on an established colony, because honeycomb prevents adequate penetration of the detergent solution.
Bee colonies may be removed physically by hand or by vacuuming with special types of vacuums. Once collected, the bees can be placed in a hive, released at a different location, or killed with insecticide.
Occasionally, even honey bees are considered pests and must be dealt with like any other unwanted insect. Because of the attention recently focused on AHBs, it is important to provide homeowners, pest control operators, and others with sound information on how to deal with honey bees when they are pests.
Bee colonies may nest in tree hollows or in structures, such as attics, between the wall studs of houses or garages, within porch roofs, or in similar areas.
Bees in Buildings: Bees nesting in buildings, unlike swarms, are a great problem. There is no easy, convenient method of removing the bees. However, every effort should be made to determine the extent of the nest and to give priority to removing and relocating the bees, brood, and honey stores. Simply killing the bees will only make for more complex problems in the future. For instance, an unattended nest of 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 can soak into walls, making them impossible to paint or wallpaper. Walls will also remain moist to the touch for a considerable period of time.
If removing the bees and their nest is not practical, then other methods of dealing with them can be considered. The following steps are appropriate guidelines.
Locating Bees: The first step in eliminating the pest problem is locating the nest and getting rid of the adult bees. It may be difficult to locate the comb as it may be some distance from the entrance/exit used by the bees. Some of the most common methods of locating comb are:
1. If bees are inside a wall with sheetrock on one side, feel the sheetrock for warmth; tap the sheetrock and listen for a solid sound vs. a hollow sound. Listen also for buzzing when tapping.
2. If bees are in a wood, brick, or sheetrock wall, when you think you have located the nest, drill a hole (1/16") large enough for a coat hanger wire. Straighten out a coat hanger and stick it in the hole. You should have honey or wax on the hanger when you withdraw it. Work close to the top of the wall with holes and coat hanger because bees always hang the honeycomb down from an overhead support.
Removal of the Comb: In some instances, it will be quite expensive to attempt removal of the nest. The homeowner may be willing to put up with the smell and take his/her chances with damage from honey-soaked walls. If the bees need to be removed and there is not a rush to remove them, consider eliminating the bees in mid-winter because they have their lowest population and lowest honey stores at this time. On very cold days, they will not be able to fly very well and will represent a reduced threat to the remover and any spectators. Several materials can then be used to poison honey bees:
1. Aerosol sprays. Aerosol sprays may be very effective if sprayed through the holes drilled for the coat hanger probe. It may be necessary to drill a number of holes to inject an aerosol spray.
2. Spray concentrates or dusts. Some insecticide liquids or dusts are also very effective for controlling bees and wasps. Equipment to mix and apply such formulations is necessary.
Insecticide should be applied at the entry/exit area of the nest and, if feasible, directly onto the nest (drilling small holes to the nest may be necessary). The nest itself may be some distance upwards, left or right from the entry/exit area and is almost always suspended from some overhead support. Several repeat applications are usually necessary to kill the bees. Whenever using an insecticide, check the container label for proper concentration, safe use, and area requirements. For nests in trees or garages, removal usually is not necessary.
Problems Associated With Bee Control
Only qualified, experienced personnel should be allowed to remove or destroy bee colonies. The following must be considered:
1. Effective, approved pesticides.
2. Safety of the applicator and onlookers.
3. Possible damage, such as staining of wallpaper or wood trim.
4. Pesticide residue that may be harmful to foraging domestic bees.
5. Problems associated with dead bees, honey, and comb after bees are killed.
6. Possibility of reinfestation if structure is not modified or fully repaired.
Publications that elaborate on bee removal and control are:
1. “Disposing of Africanized Swarms or Feral Colonies” by Dr. James E. Tew & A.M. Collins
2. “How to Remove Bees from Buildings” by Ward Stanger
3. “Control of Honey Bees in and
around Homes” by Drs. Alton
It is better to prevent bee stings than treat them. This section includes information that may be used to make an area safer by reducing interactions between people and bees. Tips are given that will help prevent interactions with bees.
"Safening" is a term we can use for action taken to modify a habitat, structure, or other factor that will result in a safe environment for people or domestic animals. With respect to bees, this is usually action taken to reduce or eliminate a population. It could also be action taken to prevent or discourage bees from colonizing an area.
Safening the Home: Homes may be made safer by locating and removing bee colonies. Desirable nesting sites may be reduced by discarding barrels, old appliances, abandoned cars, piles of debris, and other materials. Hollow trees and logs should be removed. Cavities in landscape trees may be filled with foam insulation. Loose insulation beneath mobile homes, and open vents beneath homes or attics should be repaired. Vents should be screened with wire mesh small enough to prevent bee entry. Knot holes and cracks in houses, barns, and storage structures need to be repaired or filled. Holes made for utilities and plumbing should be inspected, and any openings should be closed or filled to prevent entry of bees.
Safening the School: Safening a school is much like safening a home. Inspections should be made periodically, such as just prior to the beginning of each school year. All colonies should be removed and modifications made to prevent recolonization. Students should be informed about bees and instructed to report any swarm or colony immediately.
Safening Recreation Areas and Training Sites: All inside and outside facilities of parks and recreational areas should be thoroughly inspected. All bee colonies should be eliminated and modifications made to prevent future colonization. High-use areas, such as campsites, boat launches and picnic grounds, should be re-inspected periodically to remove any new colonies of bees. In large wooded areas used for recreational purposes or training sites, signs can be posted informing people that bee swarms may be encountered, requesting that such swarms not be disturbed, and directing that swarms be reported to appropriate authorities.
Most serious incidents involving bees can be avoided with a little effort. In areas where the AHB has become established, people should learn the basics about bees and their habits. When activities increase the possibility of interaction with bees, care should be taken to reduce incidents.
Lawnmowers, Weedeaters, and Chain Saws: Bees dislike the noise, vibrations, and air movement created by lawnmowers. Quick inspection of an area to be mowed or shredded can often reveal bee or wasp colonies that would be disturbed by such actions. Removal of bee colonies prior to mowing dramatically reduces the likelihood of multiple stings.
Domestic Animals: Dogs and other domestic animals
have been killed by bee stings. Wherever
the AHB becomes established, the number of animal deaths due to bee stings is
predicted to increase
Large Motorized Equipment: Large equipment can incite an AHB attack through disturbance by engine noise and exhaust, or simply by hitting the colony. Persons most susceptible to attack are those who operate vehicles with open cabs, such as jeeps, "Humvees," bulldozers, backhoes, and tractors. Troop-carrying vehicles may also be at risk. In the event of an AHB attack, exposure can be minimized if the cab can be quickly closed.
WHERE
TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AFRICANIZED HONEY BEES
For additional information
on AHB, the following are recommended:
1. Review the references listed in this document.
2. Conduct an internet search for your question.
3. Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture web
sites on AHB or search the internet for the AHB site for your state of
interest. For example, a map showing the
current range of AHB in the
Abscond: When an entire colony of bees leaves an established hive.
Anaphylactic Shock: A life-threatening condition that may be brought on by a severe reaction to bee stings.
Anther: Part of a plant that contains and develops pollen.
Apiary: A group of bee colonies kept in one location (bee yard).
Bee bread: Pollen stored in cells of the comb.
Bee gum: Usually a hollow log hive.
Bee space: A space (1/4-5/16 inch) big enough to permit free passage for a bee but too small to encourage comb building. Leaving a bee space between parallel beeswax combs and between the outer comb and the hive walls is the basic principle of hive construction.
Bee tree: A hollow tree occupied by a colony.
Bee venom: Poison injected by a bee sting.
Brood: Immature or developing stages of bees, including eggs, larvae (unsealed brood), and pupae (sealed brood).
Cell: The six-sided compartment of a honey comb, used to raise brood or to store honey and pollen. Worker cells approximate five to the linear inch; drone cells are larger, averaging four to the linear inch.
Chromosomes: The structures in an animal or plant cell that carry the genes.
Colony: Social community of several thousand worker bees, usually containing one queen, with or without drones.
Comb foundation: Thin sheet of beeswax impressed by mill to form bases of cells; some foundation is also made of plastic and metal.
Drone: Male honey bee.
Feral: Wild, unmanaged.
Frame: Rectangular, wooden honeycomb supports, suspended by top bars in hive bodies.
Honey stomach (honey sac): An enlargement of the posterior end of the oesophagus in the bee abdomen. It is the sac in which the bee carries nectar from the flower to the hive.
Hybrid: Offspring from two unrelated (usually inbred) lines.
Hymenoptera: Insect order to which all bees belong, as well as ants and wasps.
Hyper-allergic: Prone to severe allergic reaction; hyper-allergic persons may be at risk from a single sting.
Inbred: A homozygous organism usually produced by inbreeding.
Inbreeding: Matings among related individuals.
Incident: Any contact between bees and humans, or at-risk animals.
Langstroth: A minister from
Larva: Stage in life of bee between egg and pupa; "grub" stage.
Mead: A wine made with honey. If spices or herbs are added, the wine is usually termed metheglin.
Migratory beekeeping: Movement of apiaries from one area to another to take advantage of honey flows from different crops.
Nectar: A sweet secretion of flowers of various plants, some of which secrete enough to provide excess for the bees to store as honey.
Package bees: A quantity of bees (2-5 lb) with or without a queen shipped in a wire and wood cage to start or boost colonies.
Pheromones: Chemicals secreted by animals to convey information or to affect behavior of other individuals of the same species.
Pollen: Male reproductive cells of flowers collected and used by bees as food for rearing their young. It is the protein part of the diet. Frequently called bee bread when stored in cells in the colony.
Pollination: Transfer of pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another flower.
Pollinator: The agent that transfers pollen, e.g., a bee, wasp, or wind.
Propolis: A glue or resin collected from trees or other plants by bees and used to close holes and cover surfaces in the hive. Also called bee glue.
Queen: Sexually developed female bee; the mother of all bees in a colony.
Race: A population of bees that has become geographically isolated and adapted to specific regional conditions.
Requeen: To place a queen in a hive; usually to replace an old queen with a young one.
Skep: A dome-shaped beehive, usually of straw, that lacks movable frames.
Smoker: Device used to blow smoke on bees to reduce stinging.
Social insects: Insects that live in a family society, with parents and offspring sharing a common dwelling place and exhibiting some degree of mutual cooperation; e.g., honey bees, ants, termites.
Spermatheca: Small saclike organ in queen's abdomen in which sperm are stored.
Sting: Modified ovipositor, the egg-laying structure of female Hymenoptera developed into an organ of defense.
Super: Any hive body placed above the brood chamber for the storing of surplus honey.
Supersedure: The replacement of a weak or old queen in a colony by a daughter queen - a natural occurrence.
Swarm: Natural division of a colony of bees.
Worker bee: Sexually undeveloped female bee (largest percentage of bees found in a hive).
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