Africanized Honey Bees

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1 Africanized Honey Bees Understanding and Responding to AHB in Florida and Southeast Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner Richard Gaskalla, Division Director

2 Now Playing Bee Alert at a theatre near you

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4 How Africanized Honey Bees entered Florida

5 Deep Water Ports of Florida Florida has 14 deep water ports

6 Swarm lure Swarm trap Cone style trap is made from recycled wood pulp Lures used to attract bees into swarm traps or hives

7 Africanized Honey Bee Finds in Florida Percent of Finds Year

8 AHB Planning Collaboration and Training in Florida Formed Africanized Bee Working Group. Devoting research funds to AHB. Providing funds to the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences for a Train the Trainer curriculum. Partnership with Florida State Beekeepers Association.

9 Planning Collaboration and Training Providing training for other state agencies and businesses. Participation in media opportunities. Working closely with Apiary Inspectors of America and Southern Plant Board. Presentations on the status of African honey bee to various state beekeepers associations in Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky and Delaware.

10 Planning Collaboration and Training Working closely with Florida Farm Bureau. Working closely with municipalities to educate public. Ongoing educational outreach to public.

11 Education tools for target audiences

12 AHB - Behavior/Defensive Response Three to four times as many bees respond to threat compared to European honey bees 10 times more stings per encounter compared to European honey bees Defend wider area around nest compared to European honey bees Can chase victims for ¼ mile

13 Distribution of AHB in the Southeast

14 Africanized Bee Expansion by Swarm Production By: Dr. William H. Kern, Jr.

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18 After 5 years, up to 300 feral AHB colonies per square mile and no EHB

19 The Truth About Africanized Honey Bees Africanized honey bees (AHB) are the same species as European honey bees (EHB). The sting of the AHB is not more dangerous or toxic than EHB. You cannot tell an AHB from a EHB by looking at them.

20 Honey Bees Foraging honey bees, whether Africanized or European, will not attack you, unless you step on them. Honey bees only become intensely defensive when defending their hive or colony.

21 Swarms Are Not Aggressive

22 Facts About Swarms Swarms are a way colonies divide when they get too large for their current hive location The old queen and some of the workers leave the old colony to find a new colony at a new location. Bees in swarms are not defensive because they do not have resources (honey and babies) to defend.

23 Differences Between AHB and EHB Excessive Absconding Absconding means relocation of the entire bee colony to new nest site. Absconding is common with AHBs. Results in loss of a managed colony. Adds to the feral population competing with managed bees for nectar and pollen. Many relocated colonies require elimination.

24 Evidence of Absconding From an Exposed Nest

25 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.

26 Hive in an Old Gas Tank

27 Surprise AHB Nesting Site

28 Stronger Brood Production AHB Choice of Smaller Colony Locations Many More Feral Colonies = More Danger of Contact Faster Colony Growth More Frequent Swarming and Absconding

29 Putting AHB Into Perspective AHB are more aggressive than EHB. AHB swarm more and produce more feral colonies. AHB nest in more and smaller spaces than EHB. In terms of aggressive defense of the colony and potential number of stings, AHB are comparable to our native yellow jackets or bald-faced hornets.

30 At-Risk Groups People likely to interact with bees Outdoor workers Agriculture Landscapers Surveyors Utility workers Land clearing equipment operators Military during training Sports enthusiasts Rescue personnel

31 At-Risk Groups These people are at greater risk from encounters with feral AHB colonies because they are less able to escape the situation. Small Children Elderly Handicapped

32 At-Risk Groups Animals at risk Tethered or restrained Penned, caged or corralled Horses and bees don t mix

33 Colony Removal Only experienced persons with protective equipment should attempt to remove or eliminate bee colonies. Improper removal can cause bees to attack bystanders. Numerous insecticides are approved for use on bees. Use foam. Soapy water doesn't work effectively on a colony because honey comb prevents adequate coverage.

34 Bee Proofing Africanized honey bees nest in a wide variety of locations Need openings >1/8 inch, cavity behind the opening for a nest Eliminate shelter Hole leading to cavity 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 Secure window screens to fit tightly Close shed doors tightly and keep in good repair

35 What do you do if you disturb an AHB colony? Run, Run, then Run some more! Get inside a closed vehicle or structure. The 10 bees that come inside with you are much less dangerous then the 3,000 waiting outside. Do not jump into a pool or pond. They can wait longer than you can.

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37 What you can do to protect yourself, family and pets Inspect your property regularly for large numbers of bees and colonies. If feral colonies are found, have them destroyed by trained pest management professionals knowledgeable about AHB. Disturbing a defensive colony by untrained personnel could endanger people and pets up to 150 yards away from colony.

38 Importance of Managed Colonies in Mitigating AHB Managed colonies dilute AHB populations. Prevents AHB takeover of European honeybee hives. AHB are less likely attracted to areas where other foragers exist.

39 Beekeepers are Valuable European honey bees are the first and best deterrent against an area becoming Africanized.

40 Pollination is an important part of Florida Agriculture

41 Thank you.

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