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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
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Wed, 18 Jan 2006 14:15:54 GMT
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One can take issue with Florida's guidelines.

>>"The European honey bees compete with the African
bees for food sources.

But who is to say that EHBs can effectively outcompete AHBs to the point of keeping the AHBs numbers in check.  Increasing EBHs colonies around urban areas is positive notheless.  However, it remains to be seen how the general population reacts - it's not possible to distinguish an EHB from an AHB on a flower in one's garden...  Folks will wonder what they are looking at.  If in doubbt, the suspicion will be be it's an AHB.

If increased EHB numbers will not prevent massive stinging incidents, folks will demand the removal/eradiaction of all honey bees.

>>When they inter-breed with the Africam bees, their
defensive stinging behavior is reduced."

Is there any data to support this?  AHB moved through EHB territiry from Brazil all the way to the American South-West, and their defensive nature has not abated according to the reports.  AHB produce drones quicker, earlier in the season and are reported to have the upper hand in mating.

The cold regions of Argentina have not seen widespread AHB ferals and this is the only hope in sight that feral AHBs will not dominate in the northern US or Canada.

These are vain efforts on the part of the Floridians, in my opinion.  But, if there are no other options, any effort is to be encouraged.

Waldemar

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