What Every Floridian Needs to Know About Africanized Honey Bees Dr. William Kern, Jr. Ft. Lauderdale R.E.C. Entomology & Nematology University of Florida

Africanized Honey Bees In 2005, the number of colonies with AHB genes and behaviors increases substantially. Early in this process of invasion, most of the feral colonies contain hybrids, but over time fully Africanized colonies will become more common throughout Florida.

2002 African Honeybee Finds in Florida

Mobile,AL 2003 African Honeybee Finds in Florida

Mobile,AL 2004 African Honeybee Finds in Florida

Mobile,AL 2005 African Honeybee Finds in Florida

These Are Not Africanized Bees

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 can not tell an AHB from a EHB by looking at them.

Honey Bees Foraging Honey bees whether Africanized or European will not attack you. Foragers will sting in defense if you step on them. Honey bees only become intensely defensive when defending their hive or colony.

Swarms Are Not Aggressive

Swarms Are a way for colonies to divide when they get too large for the hive location The old queen and some of the workers leave the old colony to found a new colony at a new location. These bees are not defensive because they do not have resources (honey and babies) to defend. Even Africanized bees are not very defensive at this stage.

European Honey Bee Swarm

AHB swarms are smaller than EHB swarm. Some AHB swarms aren't much larger than a coffee cup. Swarming reduces the number of bees in a colony, reduces work force diminished honey production Willie The Bee Man, Inc.

Differences between AHB and EHB Excessive Swarming AHB swarms more frequently than the EHB. –EHB colony swarms every 1-2 yrs. –AHB colony swarms 4-8 times/yr Continuous monitoring is required to detect small swarms and newly established colonies.

Differences between AHB and EHB Excessive Absconding Absconding is relocation of the entire bee colony to new nest site Absconding is common with the AHB. –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.

Evidence of Absconding From an Exposed Nest

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.

Differences between AHB and EHB Selection of Nesting Site EHBs are particular in selecting nest sites. –Hollow trees, wall voids. –Cavities (about 10 gallons in size). –Above ground, clean, and dry voids. Proper colony sites are rare so there are limited numbers of feral EHB hives.

Differences between AHB and EHB Selection of Nesting Site AHBs nest in any protected place –Smaller, closer to the ground –Utility boxes, abandoned tires, concrete power poles Difficult to detect AHB in varied nesting locations until colonies become large. Subfloor of house

Hive in an Old Gas Tank

Surprise AHB Nesting Site

Differences between AHB and EHB Number of Feral Colonies AHB’s increase number of feral honey bee colonies in area. Greater need to control defensive bees in “natural” and “urban” areas.

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

Differences between AHB and EHB Aggressive Hive Defense and Stinging AHB respond quicker and in larger numbers when colony is threatened. AHB remains agitated longer than EHB. Perturbing an AHB colony results in times more stings than EHB. Nests can be dangerous if not removed. Improper removal is dangerous for neighbors and bystanders.

Undisturbed colony with small number of guard bees

Aggressive defense with large numbers of defenders rushing out.

Summary Differences between AHB and EHB ________________________________________________________________ Feature EHB AHB ________________________________________________________________ Nest Architecture: Colony SizeLargerSmaller Honey StorageLargeSmall Exposed NestsRareCommon Swarming Rate Low High Absconding Rare Common Colony Defense Mild to Moderate Intense Worker Characteristics: Development PeriodLongShort Adult Life SpanLongShort Foraging AgeOldYoung Body SizeLargerSmaller ________________________________________________________________

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.

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

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

At-Risk Groups Animals at risk –Tethered or restrained animals. –Penned, caged, or corralled. –Horses and bees don’t mix.

Examine or check areas before entry Schools and playgrounds Recreation and training areas Areas prior to use of lawnmowers, chain saws, weed-eaters, and large motorized equipment. Livestock areas Home landscapes

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

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.

Seek Emergency Care Immediately If stung by and insect and you develop any of these symptoms. These symptoms 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

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 fingernail, credit card, or dull knife. Wash the area with soap and water. ency/article/ htm

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

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 who are knowledgeable about AHB. Disturbing a defensive colony by untrained personnel could endanger people and pets up to 150 yds away from the colony.