Hi all

I have outlined the basic information on the genetic and physical identification of African bees. However, I would repeat that behavior is really the key problem and the key factor in making a decision. In many states, africanized bees are so well established that there isn't anything that can be done to change that fact. So far as I know, in Arizona it is illegal to have unhived bees on your property, but you can keep any sort of bees in a hive. In New York State it is illegal to have africanized bees at all. 

But these laws are beside the point, it would be foolish to knowingly keep african bees anywhere except the most remote locations. If you knowingly have them, and someone gets stung and dies, you could be held liable due to criminal negligence. For this reason alone, I would suggest to anyone who has vicious bees: get rid of them. I know that a lot of folks collect swarms in africanized areas. Swarms tend to be docile. But sooner or later, any colony can turn into a mean machine.

It is a very distasteful thing to have to kill a beautiful full sized colony of bees for any reason. If anyone is interested, I can describe humane ways of doing it. But if we are serious about maintaining a good relationship with the public, agriculture and so on, it is our responsibility to have bees that are a tractable as possible, or else keep them in isolated locations where no one can get attacked by them. I have bees in my yard, and I like it that way, but they are expected to behave themselves!

PLB

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