"Killer Bees" - Part 2

The term "Killer Bees" is a media label, but it has stuck for good reason. In June of this year, a teenage boy was hospitalized and his dog killed in a severe attack of Africanized Honey Bees they encountered while hiking at a park in Chatsworth, California. The unlucky dog had disturbed a nest of Africanized bees. In an attempt to save his dog, the young man was stung at least 200 times as he carried the dog as far as he could before collapsing. Pets, children and the elderly are most at risk, as they are most likely to be caught by surprise and least able to move quickly in escape. How can you avoid these "killers"? Here are a few tips: 

1. Carefully examine the exterior of your house for holes or fissures, and fill them. We have found bees love to invade a house by entering through a hole left by an old cable line. Any gap larger than 1/8 inch can become a problem.

2. Take a look in the attic, especially in places where roof lines meet. Often the builder has left a small gap, just the right size for bees to enter and nest. Fill these holes with construction foam, or screen them with a fine mesh screen. 

3. Check your yard for possible habitats. Overturned and abandoned flower pots, old tires or boxes, an abandoned shed, etc. If you see bees going in and out of these areas, DO NOT TRY TO GET RID OF THEM YOURSELF! News reports are rife with people who have been injured by spraying Africanized bees with over-the-counter bug sprays. If there is no current infestation, get rid of items that might be attractive to nesting bees. Clean up piles of junk.

4. Install fine-mesh screen over tops of rain spouts, over attic vents, and water meter/utility boxes.

5. If you do encounter angry bees, take cover in a house or car. Even if the bees follow you in, get shelter to minimize injury. Cover your head with a shirt or jacket - Africanized bees target the eyes, ears, nose and mouth when attacking. If there is no shelter available, you may need to run half a mile to get away - keep running!

6. If stung, remove stingers by scraping them out with a flat object like a credit card or fingernail. Removing stingers with tweezers will likely release more venom. Wash sting area with soap and water and use an ice pack. Get medical attention if breathing is troubled.

7. When hiking or camping, listen and be on the alert. Do not reach into small spaces between rocks or under trees.

8. Don't keep pets tied or tethered.

9. Do  not kill an attacking bee. It will release an alarm scent bringing other bees from its colony.

These are a few simple things you can do to protect your environment. 

Be aware that swarms of bees, which look like large, football-shaped clusters hanging from trees or eaves are not nests. Bee swarms are scary looking, but will usually  move on in a few days. They should not be approached or treated unless they stay in the same place for more than three days - and then should only be treated by a professional. Swarms are not usually aggressive since they are not defending a hive. 

Africanized bees are a serious problem. Don't make them your problem! In San Diego County, for more information contact the Department of Agriculture at their toll-free Bee Information Line: 1-800-200-2337.

"Killer Bees" - Part 1

Most of us grew up with the sage advice to leave bees alone and they would leave us alone. Although mostly true then, since the arrival of Africanized Honey Bees (AHB or "Killer Bees") to Southern California in 1994 that advice needs an update. First, some history: Africanized bees originated, of course, in Africa. They were brought to the southern part of Brazil in the 1950's for research, where they inadvertently escaped and have slowly migrated and spread through parts of North and South America. For a current map of AHB colonized areas in California, click here. To see where they are in the United States, click here. More aggressive and territorial than European Honey Bees, AHB will attack if they feel their nest is threatened. But contrary to popular opinion, AHB are neither bigger nor more venomous than other bees, nor are they distinctive in appearance - in fact they look remarkably like their European cousins. The best way to recognize an Africanized colony is by their aggressive behavior. And then it may be too late! For this reason, nests in the wild here in Southern California should be assumed to be Africanized if not under the care of a beekeeper. What this means to the average homeowner is that extreme caution should be used. Africanized bees attack in larger numbers than domestic honey bees. Also, disturbed colonies may remain agitated for as long as 24 hours! They swarm frequently and nest in areas where  European bees usually don't - including small holes near the ground like water boxes, old tires or unused flower pots. If you see a swarm, steer clear and it may move on within a few days. However, if you see bees consistently going in and out of a small hole on the outside of your house it is best to call in a professional. Tomorrow's blog will address some preventive measures and more on California's infestation of "Killer Bees" (video worth seeing!)