Armed Forces Pest Managment Board

TECHNICAL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM NO. 34

BEE RESOURCE MANUAL

with emphasis on
The Africanized Honey Bee

Published and Distributed by

DEFENSE PEST MANAGEMENT INFORMATION ANALYSIS
CENTER
Forest Glen Section
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Washington, DC 20307-5001

July 1995
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 United States, but let us hope that the scare
stories have run their course. It is time for responsible journalism to take
over; we need sound, accurate information about bees in general, and
especially about Africanized bees. Beyond that, the factual story of the
Africanized bees is as riveting as the lurid sting tales. Frightening the public
is easy, informing it is more difficult; but it is information, not horror, that is
needed now. The media created and exaggerated the killer bee monster; it is
time to reduce it to its true size. ---- Mark L. Winston, Killer Bees, The
Africanized Honey Bee in the Americas, Harvard University Press 1992.
 BEE RESOURCE MANUAL

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . ii Elderly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Handicapped . . . . . . . . . 10
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Outdoor Workers and
Military . . . . . . . . . . 11
BIOLOGY AND HABITS OF THE Sports Enthusiasts . . . . . 11
HONEY BEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Biology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 CONTROL OF BEES . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Habits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Bee Swarms . . . . . . . . . . 11
Swarming . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Bee Colonies . . . . . . . . . 12
Absconding . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Removing Bees . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Food Gathering . . . . . . . . 3 Bees in Buildings . . . . . . 12
Defensive Behavior . . . . . 3 Locating Bees . . . . . . . . 12
Removal of the Comb . . 13
THE AFRICANIZATION OF THE Problems Associated With Bee
HONEY BEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Characteristics of the AHB . . . . . 5
Aggressive Hive Defense HANDLING BEE PROBLEMS . . . . 13
and Stinging . . . . . . . . 5 Safening an Area . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Excessive Swarming . . . . 6 Safening the Home . . . . 14
Excessive Absconding . . . 6 Safening the School . . . . 14
Selection of Nesting Site . 6 Safening Recreation Areas
Reproductive Capacity . . 6 and Training Sites . . 14
Number of Feral Colonies 6
Robbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Avoiding Bee Problems . . . . . . 14
Winter Survival . . . . . . . . 6 Lawnmowers, Weedeaters,
Colony Takeover . . . . . . . 6 and Chain Saws . . . . 14
Mating Advantage . . . . . . 7 Domestic Animals . . . . . 14
Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Large Motorized
Morphometrics . . . . . . . . 7 Equipment . . . . . . . . 14
ELISA Procedure for AHB
Proteins . . . . . . . . . . . 7 GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
DNA Analysis . . . . . . . . . 7
Other Sources . . . . . . . . . 7 SELECTED REFERENCES . . . . . . . 16
Monitoring the Natural
Dispersion of the AHB with
Pheromone Traps . . . . . . . 7

THE MEDICAL ASPECT OF BEES . 7

Handling Medical Problems . . . . 9
Allergic Reactions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
First Aid for Stinging Victims . . . 9
Stinging Incidents . . . . . . . . . . . 10
At-Risk Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

AFPMB i TIM 34
 Acknowledgements
Special thanks to LCDR H. R. Stevenson for compiling information from a number of
authors to produce this TIM. However, the majority of this material must be credited to:
Charles L. Cole, Professor and Extension Entomologist, and Millisa A. Rowell, Extension
Assistant, with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Riverside Campus, Box 2150,
Bryan, Texas 77806-2150. Their permission to use the following information for
Department of Defense purposes is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to Ms. Nancy Owens, Ms. Neena Hancock, and Ms. Diane McMillon, Office
Automation Department, Navy Environmental Health Center, for their desktop publishing
work.

Final writing, editing, formating and review were done by Capt. Armando Rosales, USAF,
and Dr. Rich Robbins AFPMB/DPMIAC. Copies and distribution are courtesy of
DPMIAC staff.

AFPMB ii TIM 34
INTRODUCTION surviving in the tropics, are poor producers
of surplus honey.
Since their introduction into the Americas in
the late 1950s, Africanized honey bees hav e By the time the negative aspects of the African
received a great deal of attention concerning strain were understood, it had already
their impact on human welfare. More often established a permanent presence in the
than not, Africanized or "killer" bees have Americas that soon spread north to Central
been depicted as bloodthirsty beasts out to America, Mexico and recently, the southern
sterilize their expanding habitat of nearly United States.
anything that moves. In reality, research and Although AHBs weren't the monsters seen
experience have taught us that Africanized in popular fiction, their aggressive response ,
honey bees (AHBs) warrant concern but coupled with our lack of experience, led to the
certainly not hysteria, which may lead to deaths of hundreds of people and animals. But
unwise management decisions. South Americans soon learned to live with the
What are Africanized bees and their signifi- bees. For example, the highest recorded
cance? Africanized bees are simply a strain of number of fatalities due to AHB attacks in
Apis mellifera, the same species introduced Venezuela was nearly a hundred people in
from Europe that produces our honey and 1978, but those numbers dropped to twenty by
pollinates many of our plants. An African 1985. Beekeepers learned to take proper
strain was introduced to South America in an precautions and Venezuelans became familiar
effort to produce a bee better suited to the with potential dangers.
tropics. Honey bees aren't native to the Amer- AHBs are a real and significant threat for
icas, and the European bees introduced up to those who must live with them. But they can
that point were poorly adapted to the tropics . be dealt with as long as the appropriate
African bees were brought to Brazil in 1956 precautions and control measures are taken.
by biologists wanting to create an Afri- This Technical Information Memorandum has
can/European hybrid that would perform well been developed with the assistance of the
in the South American climate. But in 1957 , Texas Agricultural Extension Service to
measures to contain the colonies were provide DoD pest management and public
accidentally removed and several swarmed health officials with an understanding of
into the countryside. honey bee biology, the potential impact of
The newly released AHBs survived AHBs, and the measures we must undertake to
exceptionally well in South America. So well, assure the wellbeing of our personnel.
in fact, that they quickly displaced existin g An informative video overview covering
European strains, even those maintained by general AHB biology and personal safety from
commercial beekeepers. But, as they spread, stings has been produced by the U.S. Army
problems arose and the differences between Academy of Health Sciences. Africanized
the domesticated European bees and AHBs Honey Bees, A 1701-92-0121 (TVT 8-223)
soon became apparent: runs 11:07 minutes and is available for loan
from local training centers/video libraries and
Africanized bees are extremely sensitive to DPMIAC.
the slightest disturbance and the hive
responds with massive and persistent
stinging attacks.
Africanized bees are difficult to manage
and have a strong tendency to leave existing
hives (abscond) and settle elsewhere.
Africanized bees, although better at

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BIOLOGY AND HABITS OF TH E flight and mate with 10-15 drones. In about
HONEY BEE three days the queen begins to lay eggs. A
queen may lay as many as 1,500 eggs in a
Biology single day and around 200,000 eggs in a single
The honey bee, having complete meta- year. The queen controls whether or not the
morphosis, passes through four stages: egg, eggs are fertilized with sperm stored in her
larva, pupa, and adult. Bees develop into three spermatheca. Fertilized eggs develop into
different castes: workers, queens, and drones. females (workers) and unfertilized eggs
develop into males (drones). About 99 percent
of the eggs laid by a queen are fertilized an d
develop into workers.

Habits
Swarming:
Swarming is the natural means of honey bee
dispersion. A new honey bee colony is
worker queen drone established after a swarm leaves an established
colony to seek a new location. A swarm
Developmental time and longevity varies consists of the old queen and about half the
with each caste and among races. Table 1 bees from the old colony. The swarm flies
shows the difference between AHBs and from a few to several hundred yards and lands
EHBs. When honey bees emerge as adults on a low hanging tree limb or other structure.
they continue to develop. At first their body is From there, scout bees seek out a suitable area
soft, but the cuticle hardens in about 12-24 to establish a new colony. Swarms may sta y
hours. During the next few days glands and in their temporary location from a few hours to
reproductive organs (in the queens and drones) a few days. It is during this time that bee
develop and mature. Drones produce semen swarms may be hived by beekeepers and
in about 12 days and queens begin to lay eggs managed for honey and wax production.
in about three days after mating. In a typica l
colony there will be only one laying queen, Absconding:
about 20,000 - 60,000 workers, and about 100 Absconding is a behavioral trait of all honey
- 300 drones. bees. It is much more common in the AHB

Table 1. A Comparison of AHB and EHB Developmental Time and Longevity in Days.

Developmental Time (days) Longevity (days)

CAST AHB EHB AHB EHB
Queen 15 16 1-3 yrs 1-3 yrs
Worker 18.5 21 15-140 12-90
Drone 24 24 21-43 20-37

When mature, virgin queens take a mating

than in the EHB. Absconding occurs when all
of the adult bees, including the queen,
workers, and drones, leave the old nest and

AFPMB 2 TIM 34
relocate to a new site. Absconding is usually desired humidity in the hive, and to maintain
the result of a severe disturbance such as the proper temperature.
predator activity, flooding, starvation, or other
major stress. Absconding bees may travel 30- Defensive Behavior:
50 miles before finding a suitable nest site . Stinging is a defensive behavior. Virtually
Long flights may have to be interrupted all defensive behavior is in the immediate
several times to forage for food. vicinity of the hive. Away from the hive, bees
literally have to be forced to sting. Swarming
Food Gathering: bees are rarely defensive and do not sting
Worker bees forage for nectar, pollen, pro- unless provoked. However, "hunger swarms"
polis, and water. They bring these raw or absconding bees are usually very defensive
materials back to the colony for use or storage. and are frequently the cause of stinging
Nectar is converted from sucrose, a complex incidents.
sugar, into fructose and glucose, simple A bee's stinger is barbed. When it stings ,
sugars, by enzyme activity in the bee's "honey the stinger, poison sac, surrounding muscles ,
stomach." Then it is dehydrated from 60 to 65 and nerves are torn from its body. Thus, it can
percent water to the 17 to 20 percent water sting only once. Soon after stinging the bee
found in ripe honey. dies. After the bee has departed the stinger
Worker bees also forage for propolis, often will continue to pump venom until it dries up.
called "bee glue." Propolis is a mixture of tree An alarm pheromone (odor) is also released .
resins and bee wax. It is used to secure and This pheromone will attract other bees to the
seal cracks and crevices within the colony. area and prompt an aggressive response, thus
Water is collected by foragers and has three increasing the chances of additional stinging.
The alarm pheromone
response is one of the biggest
factors in the AHB's excessive
stinging characteristic.
Table 2. Differences Between Temperate-Evolved and Stimuli that have a
Tropical-Evolved Honey Bees. tendency to increase the
defensive behavior of bees
Environment include sudden and rapid
Feature movements, jarring or
Temperate Tropical bumping hives or frames,
vibrations and noise such as
Nest Architecture:
operating lawn mowers or
Colony Size Large Small
tractors, odors (both good and
Honey Storage Large Small
bad), and dark colors. Bees
Exposed Nests Rare Common
are also more defensive in
Swarming Rate Low High cooler, cloudy weather.
Several basic differences
Absconding Rare Common exist between the activities and
Colony Defense Moderate Intense habits of temperate honey bees
(European strains) and tropical
honey bees (the Africanized
strain). These are listed in
Table 2.
important functions in the colony. Water is
used to dilute thick honey, to maintain the THE AFRICANIZATION OF TH E

AFPMB 3 TIM 34
HONEY BEE trip and were introduced into colonies at the
research station in San Paulo. In 1957, queen
The Africanized honey bee is simply a excluders were accidentally removed from the
hybrid honey bee, a result of breeding the entrances of 26 colonies. These colonies soon
European honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera, swarmed and established feral colonies in the
with an African honey bee, Apis mellifera area. The breeding program continued into the
scutellata. This different genetic background 1970s with African bees and hybrid queens
makes the habits of the Africanized bee being widely distributed among beekeepers in
different from the habits of the domestic, southern Brazil. Brazilian scientists
European honey bee cultured in the United recognized the problems with the AHB and
States. proposed management practices which would
alleviate the problems. A survey of
AFRICANIZATION beekeepers showed that some had quit the
The AHB is the same species of honey bee business due to the difficulties in managing
commonly cultured for honey and wax these bees. Among those beekeepers
production and for pollination services. It is a remaining in business, there was a preference
hybrid resulting from crossing a tropical for the AHB because of its high productivity.
(African) strain and a temperate (European) Once released into nature, the AHB spread
strain of honey bees. These two strains have throughout Brazil by swarming and
been isolated genetically for more than 2,000 absconding. It moved south to about 32
years. They have been separated latitude. It continued its spread northward,
environmentally by more than 70 latitude and through Central America and Mexico at about
geographically by the Sahara Desert. Each 200-300 miles a year, reaching Panama in
strain has developed its own particular habits. 1980, Mexico in 1985, and the United States
For more than 300 years honey bees have in 1990 (Figure 1).
been bred in the Americas. Honey bee In advance of the natural spread of the
breeding programs have used genetic material AHB, numerous "man-assisted" swarms were
from all over the world, including Africa, but detected in the United States. The man-
have concentrated mostly on European strains. assisted AHB swarms occurred as early as
Desired characteristics include winter 1979 and as far north as Baltimore, MD, and
hardiness, tendency not to swarm, gentleness, Strong Point, NY. Upon detection, these
low drone production, and other valuable swarms were eliminated, thus preventing the
traits. establishment of the AHB in the United States
The African strain of the honey bee is a at that time.
tropical bee and has been selected by nature The name "Killer Bee" evolved in a unique
more than by man. African bee strains tend to way. It was first used in 1965 by Time
be more defensive, swarm more often, and Magazine when recapping a press release from
don't conform as well to our "American" bee the Brazilian military, which at the time wa s
management practices. trying to discredit certain scientists by
In 1956, a Brazilian researcher went to reporting all stinging incidents, including those
Africa in search of new genetic material for from wasps, as due to the AHB. The name
the Brazilian bee breeding program. was picked up and has been used in at least
Temperate bees do not adapt well to four movies in the United States including one
conditions in Brazil, so researchers were called "The Swarm." Newspapers, television,
looking for a bee which would survive and be and radio have used the name in headlines and
more productive in Brazil's tropical climate . in bold print. This has created not only an
A total of 170 African queens were collecte d
and sent to Brazil. Of these, 48 survived th e

AFPMB 4 TIM 34
awareness of the bee but in some instances play on our innate fear of stinging insects."
near hysteria. Mike Allsopp with the Ironically, the paranoia created by
Agricultural Research Council in South Africa misinformation and exaggeration could mask
wrote, "In my opinion the entire AHB saga is the real problems associated not only with the
one dominated by paranoia and AHB but with the EHB, wasps, and other
misinformation." Mark Winston, Professor of stinging insects.
Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser Characteristics of the AHB
University and author of Killer Bees, The A number of specific behavioral
Africanized Honey Bee in the Americas, in characteristics have been identified in the
referring to the printed media, books, and AHB.
movies, has written, "There is no pretense of
accuracy, and imagination has taken over to Aggressive Hive Defense and Stinging :
Figure 1. Actual and Projected Range of the Africanized Honey Bee (after Winston,
1992) .

1997 North Carolina (projected)

1992
1990
1989
1979 Columbia
1986 1976
1983 Costa Rica
1971

1966

1956 Brazil

bring us wildly exaggerated horror stories that Although the AHB does not attack

AFPMB 5 TIM 34
unprovoked, it is very defensive of its colony. Reproductive Capacity:
When compared to the EHB, it is much easier In comparison to the EHB, the AHB devotes
to provoke. The AHB responds quicker and in a greater percentage of its nest to brood
larger numbers when its colony is threatened. production and less to honey storage. Because
Also, once provoked, the AHB remains the developmental time of the AHB is shorter
agitated for a longer period of time than does than the EHB, it's able to produce more bees in
the EHB. Purturbing an AHB colony may a shorter period.
result in 6-10 times as many stings as
European bees inflict. This phenomenon is Number of Feral Colonies:
attributed to the AHB's more acute sensitivity In areas where the AHB has become
and response to the "alarm pheromone," a established, a noticeable increase in the
chemical odor that is released after stinging is number of feral honey bee colonies occurs.
initiated. This is generally thought to be the result of
reproductive capacity, increased swarming
Excessive Swarming: rate, and tendency to abscond. However, in
The AHB will swarm more frequently than much of the area where the AHB is now
the EHB. Typically an EHB colony swarms established, feral colonies were extremely rare,
once every year or two. An AHB colony may probably because the EHBs were not adapted
swarm 4-8 times a year. Generally, an AHB to the tropical climate. This marked increas e
swarm is much smaller that an EHB swarm; of feral colonies may not be as great in an area
some aren't much larger than a coffee cup. where feral bees are common.
Swarming reduces the number of bees in a
colony, thus reducing the work force, resulting Robbing:
in diminished honey production. Management Robbing is a type of foraging behavior
practices directed at reducing swarming, such where bees take honey from other bee
as dividing large colonies into smaller colonies colonies. This often occurs when nectar is
and frequent harvesting of honey, add costs for scarce or unavailable, or when some colonies
beekeepers. are weak and others are strong. Robbing
weakens colonies and may spread diseases and
Excessive Absconding: parasites.
While absconding is rare in the EHB, it's
rather common with the AHB. Absconding Winter Survival:
not only results in loss of a managed colon y Since the AHB is tropical in nature, it may
but adds to the feral population competing not be able to regulate its body temperature as
with managed bees for nectar and pollen. efficiently as the EHB. Studies indicate that
the AHB does not form as efficient a cluste r
Selection of Nesting Site: during cold weather as the EHB.
EHBs are very particular in selecting nesting
sites. They prefer hollow trees, wall voids or Colony Takeover:
other cavities (about 10 gallons in size) well Many researchers have reported that AHB
above the ground that are clean and dry. The swarms often take over EHB colonies,
AHB will nest almost anyplace it's protecte d particularly colonies which do not have
from the weather. Selected sites are often functional queens. However, EHB swarms
much smaller, closer to the ground, and may will do the same. The importance of such
not be as protected from the elements. Thi s takeovers is questionable. Work by
lack of selectivity is thought by some to be due researchers at the University of Georgia
to greater competition resulting from the larger suggests hive takeovers are a minor problem.
number of AHB swarms.

AFPMB 6 TIM 34
Mating Advantage: 4. Other Sources: Other techniques for
An AHB colony produces more drones than identifying different strains of the honey bee
an EHB colony of equal size. In areas where include cuticular hydrocarbons, flow cy-
the AHB has become established, the EHB tometry, and the use of a portable audiometer.
queens appear to mate with AHB drones at a
much higher frequency than with EHB drones. Monitoring the Natural Dispersion of the
Similar behavior in areas where large numbers AHB with Pheromone Traps
of EHB colonies are maintained is being The northward movement of the AHB has
studied. been monitored through South and Central
America and through Mexico, into Texas and
Identification other areas of the U.S. By examining samples
Identifying the different races of honey bees of bees taken from pheromone traps, from
and their hybrids is very difficult. The feral swarms, and from feral colonies,
characteristics used for identification differ scientists have been able to trace the
only slightly and overlap considerably among movement of the AHB. At present, two
individuals. Accurate identification is not national agencies monitor AHB populations in
only difficult but time-consuming and the U.S.:
expensive.
Rapid and accurate identification of AHBand 1. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection
EHB strains is very important for monitoring Service (APHIS), of the USDA.
the presence and spread of bees through an 2. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS),
area. This element is essential in of the USDA.
implementing regulatory and management
actions involving AHBs. Several techniques
have been used to identify AHB. None of THE MEDICAL ASPECT OF BEES
these techniques are 100 percent effective.
They include: Although serious reactions from bee venom
1. Morphometrics: This technique utilizes occur in only a very small percentage of the
precise measurements of specific body parts. population, all persons should be aware of the
Computer-assisted measurements are made of possibility of medical complications which
25 characters on 10 bees. An average is may result from stings to themselves, children,
determined and used to distinguish the EHB and others.
from the AHB. Variations of this technique This section addresses the medical aspect of
include the Fast Africanized Bee Identification bee stings. It provides information on the
System (FABIS) in which only three venom itself and reactions to the venom. Also
characters are measured. The FABIS II included is information on symptoms, first aid,
technique uses seven measurements. and diagnosis of stings. Specific at-risk
2. ELISA Procedure for AHB Proteins: groups are discussed as well as what may be
The ELISA procedure for identifying the AHB done to reduce the risk of interaction with
uses electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing to these pests. A review of the problems
identify specific proteins unique to the AHB. associated with the AHB in Central America
About 90 percent of all AHB contain at least and Mexico shows that AHB should not
one of these proteins. A sample of three bees become a significant public health threat
can provide an accuracy of 99.9 percent. anywhere in the United States. Bee venom is
3. DNA Analysis: DNA contains the toxic (Chart 1); the lethal dose of bee venom
molecular code for genetically inherited for humans is about 10 stings per pound of
characters. Bee DNA can be extracted and body weight, assuming all of the bee's venom
used to identify the AHB.

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 Doctors, Emergency Medical Services, and
Chart 1. Toxic Components of other health care personnel are well educated
in the diagnosis and treatment of bee stings
Bee Venom.
and anaphylaxis.
1. Enzymes The venoms of the AHB and the EHB are
A. Hyaluronidase: Spreading factor. 2- almost identical. Medical literature gives no
3% of bee venom weight. evidence suggesting that AHB stings are more
B. Phospholipase A: 12% of weight. toxic than EHB stings. The amount of venom
Causes histamine release, smooth per sting does vary between the AHB and the
muscle contraction, hypotension,
increased vascular permeability. EHB, with the AHB having approximately 27
C. Acid Phosphate percent less venom per sting. The smaller size
2. Peptides of the AHB is the primary reason for the
A. Melittin: 50% of weight. Red blood smaller amount of venom.
cell (RBC ) hemolysis.
In the United States, deaths from all
B. Apamin: Central nervous system
(CNS) excitation hymenopterous insects (bees, wasps, and
C. Mast-Cell degranulating (MCD) yellow jackets) average between 40 and 50 per
peptide: Release histamine. year. The arrival of the AHB in the United
States has created a public awareness of the
health risks associated with the bee. This
is injected by the sting. Deaths due to th e awareness has provided an opportunity to
toxic effects of venom received in multiple educate the public on medical aspects of the
stings are extremely rare. However, AHB and the risks associated with all honey
somewhere between 1 and 4 percent of the bees and wasps.
population is hypersensitive to honey bee The impact of the AHB on public health and
venom. Some people are so hypersensitive on the health of domestic animals will depend
that one sting can be fatal. on three things. First, and probably most
Reactions to honey bee stings range from important, is the amount of contact between
slight pain and swelling to much more serious the AHB and the public, or their domestic
symptoms, including anaphylaxis (Chart 2). animals. Second, the degree of knowledge the
public has about encounters with the AHB,
with stinging incidents, and how to deal wit h
them. Third, the availability and quality of
Chart 2. Reactions to Bee medical assistance available. As the AHB
Stings. progressed through South and Central America
and into Mexico, adequate and timely medical
1. Normal:
Normal Pain, swelling, erythema.
assistance wasn't often available. In the
Usually subsides in less than one hour.
2. Large Local:
Local Reaction at site of sting 8cm United States, medical assistance from
or > evolving over 24-48 hours, resolving knowledgeable personnel is practically taken
in 2-7 days. Subsequent systemic for granted. This factor alone will lessen the
reactions seen in 5-40% of such patients seriousness of multiple stinging incidents.
(literature divided).
Because of increases in numbers of feral bee
3. Systemic:
Systemic Mild erythema to shock.
Usually within a few minutes. colonies when the AHB becomes established
4. Toxic:
Toxic Result of multiple stings and may in an area, and the possible increased
mimic systemic allergic (dizziness, interaction with people and animals, the
nausea, etc.) number of stinging incidents should increase,
5. Unusual:
Unusual Guillain - Barre, encephalitis,
serum sickness, vasculitis, nephropathy.
as will the number of people requiring medical
treatment. Some predictions estimate stinging
incidents increasing to four or five times

AFPMB 8 TIM 34
present levels. The number of serious allergic to bee stings. Such kits are equipped
incidents can be reduced significantly through with syringes and epinephrine for emergency
an intense educational program to inform th e treatment.
general public on how to deal with bees and
potential bee problems. First Aid for Stinging Victims
If the victim is showing no signs of
Handling Medical Problems dizziness or difficulty in breathing, or
All persons should know whether or not has been stung only once, practical
they are hypersensitive to bee and wasp stings. first aid measures are:
Persons who do not know should see their A. Remove sting with a sideways
doctor and be tested. Hypersensitive persons scraping movement of a
should carry medication when frequenting an fingernail, credit card, or dull
area where interaction with bees and wasps knife to prevent more venom from
may occur. Parents of hypersensitive children being pumped in by the venom
should alert school nurses, day care facilities, sac. Do not use tweezers or
or baby sitters concerning their children's squeeze the sting, as this will
condition, and provide medications where inject more venom into the victim.
necessary. Hypersensitive persons should The venom from an AHB sting is
inform fellow students, business associates, no more toxic than that of other
coworkers, or fellow sports enthusiasts of their bees.
condition. B. Apply a paste of baking soda and
All persons should be familiar with the cold cream, or of wet salt. To be
symptoms of hypersensitivity and, if most effective, do this within five
symptoms occur after being stung, should seek minutes of sting.
medical attention immediately. C. Apply an ice pack to relieve pain
and calamine lotion to relieve
Allergic Reactions itching.
A single bee sting is seldom fatal unless D. Watch for any unusual reaction,
one has a severe allergic reaction. Swelling of such as the appearance of red
the affected area is a normal reaction to bee blotches anywhere on the body
stings and does not indicate a systemic allergy. within 2 to 20 minutes, or
Early symptoms of an allergic reaction include breathing difficulties. People who
a tingling sensation on the palms, bottoms o f experience difficulty in breathing
the feet, tongue, and lips, tightening of the after having been stung by any
throat, dizziness, and nausea. Allergy tests are insect must seek medical attention
available but can be expensive. If their normal within 15-20 minutes. Administer
routine does not bring them in contact with artificial respiration or CPR if the
insects, people should not have to take the test. victim stops breathing.
However, for beekeepers or other persons who Keep the victim calm.
work where bees are present, testing should be Give the victim an antihistamine tablet,
done. For instance, fire fighters or police if available. First aid kits for treating
officers who may be answering emergency localized bee stings are available at
calls for insect stings should be tested. some sporting and camping stores.
Allergy testing will determine how sensitive a Take people who have been stung
person is, and will build up the person's repeatedly to a medical facility for a
immunity with small, regularly scheduled complete examination. Remove stings
injections of the bee venom. Kits are available as described earlier.
as a prescription item for people who are Seek medical attention immediately if

AFPMB 9 TIM 34
 a person with health problems is stung person may also place them in the at-risk
by an insect. group. The elderly need not give up picnics or
Stay with the victim until medical care outings, or such recreational pursuits as
is obtained. hiking, fishing, hunting, or other outdoor
activities. However, they should consider the
Stinging Incidents possibility of encountering bees and prepare
Accurate records of stinging incidents for such an encounter. Suggestions for those
seldom exist. Even records of serious, wishing to frequent habitats favorable to bees
multiple stinging incidents are at best sketchy. and wasps are listed below:
If AHB has become established in your area ,
then appropriate reporting should be set up as 1. If possible, have the area "checked
well. out" in advance.
2. If possible, always have "cover" near
At-Risk Groups by, such as a vehicle, house, or barn.
Certain groups in the population may be 3. Always bring a companion along (two
considered "at-risk" for incidents involving are even better).
bees. These groups fall into two categories: 4. If bees are encountered, do not disturb
those who are more likely to interact with them.
bees, and those who are incapable of handling 5. Carry some type of protection, such as
an interaction with bees. a blanket in a boat or tarp in a vehicle.

Children: Children may fall into either of Handicapped: Handicapped persons

the above categories. Playing outdoors, placed in a situation where bees are in a
children are exposed to habitats which defensive action may not be able to leave the
increase chances of interaction with bees. area or seek cover fast enough to prevent
Upon encountering bee swarms or colonies, multiple stings. Those requiring assistance
children have a tendency to disturb them. This walking could be especially vulnerable.
can bring about a defensive reaction from the Handicapped persons should avoid habitats
insects, resulting in a serious incident. that may contain bees. If they wish to frequent
Younger children encountering bees in a such areas, the following suggestions may help
defensive behavior may not know what to do, prevent problems:
or may not be able to seek cover. Therefore ,
they can be extremely vulnerable. 1. Have the area scouted for stinging
Children should be taught what bees look insects prior to use.
like. They should be instructed to avoid 2. Avoid use of perfumes, shaving
possible problems. The following instructions lotions, hair sprays, and other sweet-
may be used even with very young children: smelling cosmetics.
3. If encountered, do not disturb bees.
1. Keep your distance. (Stay away) 4. Carry a blanket, jacket, or other
2. Don't disturb. (Bug a Killer Bee NOT!) protective covering to use if bees
3. Leave the area. (Do not bug a bee) attack.
4. Report the incident. (Tell parents, 5. Arrange for emergency assistance
teachers, or other adults about the beforehand.
bees)
Elderly: Elderly people who can't move Outdoor Workers and Military: Persons
out of an area rapidly can be vulnerable to working outdoors could be considered at risk
multiple stings if bees are encountered. The if their work involves exposure to habitats
physical condition and health of an elderly likely to be occupied by bees. The risk is

AFPMB 10 TIM 34
greater when operating mowers, weed eaters, 5. KNOW if you are hypersensitive to
heavy equipment, chain saws, or other bee venom and carry necessary medication.
equipment which may provoke defensive 6. If you are hypersensitive always
behavior from bees. Workers unable to flee, participate with a companion.
such as those on poles or scaffolding, are at
higher risk. Military, such as infantry, may
move into unknown areas containing bee CONTROL OF BEES
populations. Even night maneuvers can bring
personnel in contact with bees. Personnel Honey bees play an important role in
should be instructed in the possibility of agriculture. For decades entomologists have
encountering bees and other venomous pests. been including a strong statement about the
If a few common sense steps are followed , protection of honey bees in their insect control
work should not be hampered even in areas guides and pest management programs.
that most likely contain bees: However, when honey bees become a threat to
public health or the welfare of domestic
1. Check out areas where workers' animals, they must be dealt with differently.
mobility may be restricted (poles, When bees colonize an area frequented by
towers, man holes, scaffolding, under humans or domestic animals, they become a
buildings). pest or health risk. At such times they must be
2. If bees are encountered, do not disturb removed or eliminated.
them. Bees that need to be removed fall into two
3. Contact an authorized and experienced categories: swarms and established colonies.
person to eliminate the bees before
work continues. Bee Swarms: Capturing swarms is a
4. If risks are great and encounters commlon method of obtaining bees by
frequent, protective equipment, such as hobbyists and commercial beekeepers.
a veil and full bee suit or coveralls, Swarms are captured and introduced into hives
should be available for use. with removable frames where they can be
managed properly for honey production or
Sports Enthusiasts: Hunters, fishermen, pollination services.
hikers, and other sports enthusiasts can be at- Capturing a swarm is a relatively easy
risk due to their increased chances of entering procedure because bees are not defensive
bee habitats. Sports enthusiasts may reduce when swarming. However, it is not
the risk of bee stings by following a few recommended for those who aren't familiar
common sense suggestions: with the habits of bees or who don't have the
proper protective equipment.
1. Always be on the alert for potential Once the AHB is established in an area, it
problems. is more difficult to get beekeepers to captur e
2. Check out cabins, deer stands, and swarms for their own use. They will not wish
boats before use. to risk capturing a swarm that may be Afr-
3. Seek help or advice from an icanized.
experienced person before attempting Swarms seldom remain long before scout
to eliminate bee colonies. bees find a suitable site to colonize. However,
4. Do not attempt to "burn-out" bee it may be desirable, in an area where the AHB
colonies by pouring gasoline or other is established, to eliminate swarms in an effort
flammable liquids on them. to prevent colonization of certain sites, such as
in or near dwellings.

AFPMB 11 TIM 34
 Swarms may be eliminated with approved attention recently focused on AHBs, it is
insecticides. They may also be eliminated by important to provide homeowners, pest control
spraying with soapy water. Liquid dish- operators, and others with sound information
washing soap at a 5% solution is on how to deal with honey bees when they are
recommended (1 cup of soap/gal). A high pests.
volume spray achieves the best effect. Avoid Bee colonies may nest in tree hollows or in
fine mists. structures such as attics, between the wall
A swarm of honey bees is a temporary studs of houses or garages, within porch roofs,
inconvenience that may last a few hours or or in similar areas.
days. Honey bees in a swarm are usually
gentle because they have stomachs full of Bees in Buildings: Bees nesting in
honey. If left undisturbed, a swarm will locate buildings, unlike swarms, are a great problem.
new quarters and often disappear as quickly as There is no easy, convenient method of
it appeared. In the past, local beekeeper s removing the bees. However, every effort
collected swarms to put into their unused should be made to determine the extent of the
hives. They would at times charge a nominal nest and to give priority to removing and
fee for their time and effort. relocating the bees, brood, and honey stores.
Simply killing the bees will only make for
REMEMBER a swarm is only more complex problems in the future. For
temporary and will move away as soon as the instance, an unattended nest of beeswax,
bees find a new home. Only in unusual honey, brood, and pollen will attract other
situations will a swarm remain to build comb insects and animals. Wax moths will enter to
and not move from a cluster site. consume the wax, cockroaches and ants will
find the brood and honey. Decaying brood
Bee Colonies: Although feral colonies and fermenting honey will cause undesirabl e
seldom cause problems unless provoked, if odors. Melting wax and honey can soak into
they are established in an area where walls making them impossible to paint or
interaction with man or domestic animals may wallpaper. Walls will also remain moist to the
occur, they should be eliminated. Once a touch for a considerable period of time.
colony is established it will defend its nest. If removing the bees and their nest is not
Only experienced persons with protective practical, then other methods of dealing with
equipment should attempt to remove or them can be considered. The following steps
eliminate bee colonies. are appropriate guidelines.
Numerous insecticides are approved for
use on bees. These chemicals are very Locating Bees: The first step in
effective when used properly. Soapy water eliminating the pest problem is locating the
doesn't work effectively on a colony because nest and getting rid of adult bees. It may be
honey comb prevents adequate coverage. difficult to locate the comb as it may be some
Bee colonies may be removed physically distance from the entrance/exit used by the
by hand or by vacuuming with special types of bees. Some of the most common methods of
vacuums. Once collected, the bees can be locating comb are:
placed in a hive, released at a different
location, or killed with insecticide.

Removing Bees
Occasionally, even honey bees are
considered pests and must be dealt with like
any other unwanted insect. Because of the

AFPMB 12 TIM 34
 1. If bees are inside a wall with sheet rock requirements. For nests in trees or garages,
on one side, feel the sheet rock for nest removal usually is not necessary.
warmth; tap the sheet rock and listen
for a solid sound vs. a hollow sound. Problems Associated With Bee Control
Listen also for buzzing when tapping. Only qualified, experienced personnel should
2. If bees are in a wood, brick, or sheet be allowed to remove or destroy bee colonies.
rock wall, when you think you have The following must be considered:
located the nest, drill a hole (1/16")
large enough for a coat hanger wire. 1. Effective, approved pesticides.
Straighten out a coat hanger and stick 2. Safety of the applicator and onlookers.
it in the hole. You should have honey 3. Possible damage, such as staining of
or wax on the hanger when you wallpaper or wood trim.
withdraw it. Work close to the top of 4. Pesticide residue which may be
the wall with holes and coat hanger harmful to foraging domestic bees.
because bees always hang the honey 5. Problems associated with dead bees,
comb down from an overhead support. honey, and comb after bees are killed.
6. Possibility of reinfestation if structure
Removal of the Comb: In some is not modified.
instances, it will be quite expensive to attempt
removal of the nest. The homeowner may be Publications that elaborate on bee removal and
willing to put up with the smell and take control are:
his/her chances with damage from honey-
soaked walls. Several materials can then be 1. Disposing of Africanized Swarms or
used to poison honey bees: Feral Colonies by Dr. James E. Tew &
A.M. Collins
1. Aerosol sprays. Aerosol sprays may 2. How to Remove Bees from Buildings
be very effective if sprayed through the by Ward Stanger
holes drilled for the coat hanger probe. 3. Control of Honey Bees in and around
It may be necessary to drill a number Homes by Drs. Alton Sparks and Philip
of holes to inject an aerosol spray. Hammon
2. Spray concentrates or dusts. Some
insecticide liquids or dusts are also
very effective for controlling bees and HANDLING BEE PROBLEMS
wasps. Equipment to mix and apply
such formulations is necessary. It is better to prevent bee stings than treat
them. This section includes information that
Insecticide should be applied at the may be used to make an area safer by reducing
entry/exit area of the nest and, if feasible, interactions between people and bees. Tips
directly onto the nest (drilling small holes to are given that will help prevent interactions
the nest may be necessary). The nest itself with bees.
may be some distance upwards, left or right
from the entry/exit area and is almost alway s Safening an Area
suspended from some overhead support. "Safening" is a term we can use for action
Several repeat applications are usually taken to modify a habitat, a structure, or other
necessary to kill the bees. Whenever using an factor which will result in a safe environment
insecticide, check the container label for for people or domestic animals. With respect
proper concentration, safe use, and area to bees, this is usually action taken to reduce
or eliminate a population. It could also b e

AFPMB 13 TIM 34
action taken to prevent or discourage bees Avoiding Bee Problems
from colonizing an area. Most serious incidents involving bees can
be avoided with a little effort. In areas where
Safening the Home: Homes may be made the AHB has become established, people
safer by locating and removing bee colonies. should learn the basics about bees and their
Desirable nesting sites may be reduced by habits. When activities increase the possibility
discarding barrels, old appliances, abandoned of interaction with bees, care should be taken
cars, piles of debris, and other materials. to reduce incidents.
Hollow trees and logs should be removed.
Cavities in landscape trees may be filled with Lawnmowers, Weedeaters, and Chain
foam insulation. Loose insulation beneath Saws: Bees do not like the noise, vibrations,
mobile homes, and open vents beneath homes and air movement created by lawnmowers. A
or attics should be repaired. Vents should be quick inspection of an area to be mowed or
screened with wire mesh small enough to shredded can detect bee or wasp colonies that
prevent bee entry. Knot holes and cracks in would be disturbed by such actions. Removal
houses, barns, and storage structures need to of bee colonies prior to mowing dramaticall y
be repaired or filled. Holes made for utilities reduces the likelihood of multiple stings.
and plumbing should be inspected. Any
openings should be closed or filled to prevent Domestic Animals: Dogs and other
entry of bees. domestic animals have been killed by bee
stings. Wherever the AHB becomes
Safening the School: Safening a school is established, the number of animal deaths due
much like safening the home. Inspections to bee stings is predicted to increase four t o
should be made periodically, such as just prior five times. Animals not confined seldom
to the beginning of each school year. All receive many stings because they usually flee
colonies should be removed and modifications the area defended by the bees. Animals in
made to prevent recolonization. Students pens or tied cannot run away and may receive
should be informed about bees and instructed a lethal dose of venom. Animals should not be
to report any swarm or colony immediately. confined or tied before checking the area and
making sure that no bee colonies are
Safening Recreation Areas and Training established nearby.
Sites: All inside and outside facilities of parks
and recreational areas should be thoroughly Large Motorized Equipment: Some
inspected. All bee colonies should be large equipment will incite an AHB attack
eliminated and modifications made to prevent from the engine noise and exhaust, or simply
future colonization. High-use areas such as by hitting the colony. The most susceptible
camp sites, boat launches, and picnic areas individuals are those who operate vehicles
should be re-inspected periodically to remove with open cabs, such as jeeps, "Humvees,"
any new colonies of bees. In large wooded bulldozers, backhoes, and tractors. Troop
areas used for recreational purposes or training carrying vehicles may also be at risk.
sites, signs may be posted informing people Avoidance can be minimized if the cab can be
that bee swarms may be encountered, quickly closed in the event an AHB attack
requesting that such swarms not be disturbed, begins.
and directing that swarms be reported to
appropriate authorities.

AFPMB 14 TIM 34
 GLOSSARY

Abscond: When an entire colony of bees Hymenoptera: Order to which all bees
leaves an established hive. belong, as well as ants, wasps.
Anaphylactic Shock: A life-threatening Hyper-allergic: Prone to severe allergic
condition that may be brought on by a severe reaction; hyper-allergic persons may be at risk
reaction to bee stings. from a single sting.
Anther: Part of a plant that develops and Inbred: A homozygous organism usually
contains pollen. produced by inbreeding.
Apiary: A group of bee colonies kept in one Inbreeding: Matings among related
location (bee yard). individuals.
Bee bread: Pollen stored in cells of the comb. Incident: Any contact between bees and
Bee gum: Usually a hollow log hive. humans, or at-risk animals.
Bee space: A space (1/4-5/16 inch) big Langstroth: A minister from Pennsylvania
enough to permit free passage for a bee but too who patented the first hive incorporating a bee
small to encourage comb building. Leaving a space, thus providing for removable frames.
bee space between parallel beeswax combs and The modern hive frequently is termed the
between the outer comb and the hive walls is Langstroth hive and is a simplified version of
the basic principle of hive construction. similar dimensions as patented by Langstroth.
Bee tree: A hollow tree occupied by a colony. Larva: Stage in life of bee between egg and
Bee venom: Poison injected by a bee sting. pupa; "grub" stage.
Brood: Immature or developing stages of Mead: A wine made with honey. If spices or
bees; includes eggs, larvae (unsealed brood), herbs are added, the wine is usually termed
and pupae (sealed brood). metheglin.
Cell: The six-sided compartment of a honey Migratory beekeeping: Movement of
comb, used to raise brood or to store honey apiaries from one area to another to take
and pollen. Worker cells approximate five t o advantage of honey flows from different crops.
the linear inch; drone cells are larger, Nectar: A sweet secretion of flowers of
averaging four to the linear inch. various plants, some of which secrete enough
Chromosomes: The structures in an animal or to provide excess for the bees to store as
plant cell that carry the genes. honey.
Colony: Social community of several Package bees: A quantity of bees (2-5 lb)
thousand worker bees, usually containing one with or without a queen shipped in a wire and
queen, with or without drones. wood cage to start or boost colonies.
Comb foundation: Thin sheet of beeswax Pheromones: Chemicals secreted by animals
impressed by mill to form bases of cells; some to convey information or to affect behavior of
foundation is also made of plastic and metal. other animals of the same species.
Drone: Male honey bee. Pollen: Male reproductive cells of flowers
Feral: Wild, unmanaged. collected and used by bees as food for rearing
Frame: Rectangular, wooden honeycomb their young. It is the protein part of the diet.
supports, suspended by top bars in hive bodies. Frequently called bee bread when stored in
Honey stomach: (Honey sac) An enlargement cells in the colony.
of the posterior end of the oesophagus in th e Pollination: Transfer of pollen from the
bee abdomen. It is the sac in which the bee anthers of a flower to the stigma of another
carries nectar from the flower to the hive. flower.
Hybrid: Offspring from two unrelated Pollinator: The agent which transfers pollen,
(usually inbred) lines. e.g., a bee, wasp or wind.

AFPMB 15 TIM 34
Propolis: A glue or resin collected from trees isolated and somewhat adapted to specific
or other plants by bees; used to close holes and regional conditions.
cover surfaces in the hive. Also called bee Requeen: To place a queen in a hive Usually
glue. to replace an old queen with a young one.
Queen: Sexually developed female bee. The Skep: A dome-shapped beehive, usually of
mother of all bees in a colony.Race: straw, that lacks movable frames.
Populations of bees, originally geographically 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 Super: Any hive body placed above the brood
common dwelling place and exhibiting some chamber for the storing of surplus honey.
degree of mutual cooperation; e.g., honey bees, Supersedure: The replacement of a weak or
ants, termites. old queen in a colony by a daughter queen - a
Spermatheca: Small saclike organ in queen's natural occurrence.
abdomen in which sperm are stored. Swarm: Natural division of a colony of bees.
Sting: Modified ovipositor, the egg-laying Worker bee: Sexually undeveloped female
structure of female Hymenoptera developed bee (largest percentage of bees found in a
into an organ of defense. hive).

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