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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
John Mitchell <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 6 Sep 2000 21:43:24 EDT
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I came across the following in the Los Angeles Times written by
master-gardener-in-training Harold Pope of Irvine, CA. If it's accurate, it
seems a thorough list for avoiding with Africanized bees.

Africanized honeybees establish colonies in small cavities and protected
areas that would not ordinarily be used by domesticated European honeybees,
so their nests may be encountered in unexpected places.

Colonies have been found in holes in trees, the space between the walls or
buildings, underneath foundations, in sheds, in drain pipes, water-meter
valve boxes, abandoned appliances, holes in the ground, piles of junk, flower
pots stored upside down, piles of rocks, underneath picnic tables and even in
old tires.

In wild areas, there may be as many as 10 to 20 colonies per square mile.

To avoid unpleasant encounters, prevent the establishment of colonies near
your house or garden. Fill in cracks and crevices around your house with
steel wool or caulk. Cover openings greater than an eighth-inch in walls and c
himneys by installing eighth-inch screens. Also cover drain-pipe openings
with screen.

Remove junk, rock piles and wood piles. Fill holes in the ground and in
water-meter valve boxes. Secure doors to outside utility closets and sheds.

Be on the lookout for unusual bee signs. Watch for bees coming and going from
a crack or a hole, and listen for a loud buzzing sound that may indicate the
presence of a colony.

Examine areas where you plan to use power equipment and inspect the area
around campsites and picnic tables. Stay aware of your environment when
hiking.

Often, but not always, serious stinging incidents start with provocation such
as a stone tossed at a colony, the vibration of power equipment or attempts
to spray bees with water, an aerosol insecticide or other chemicals. Don't
try it, and teach your children not to try it.

When walking, keep pets on a leash so they do not accidentally come upon a
colony.

If you discover a bee swarm or believe you have discovered a colony, stay
away from it. According to entomologist Nick Nisson with the California State
Agricultural Commission, there are no public agencies in Orange County that
remove bee swarms or colonies from private property. If you require bee
removal, you'll need to contact a commercial beekeeper or pest-control
company.

In other counties, public assistance may be available through vector-control
authorities. Los Angeles County has an Africanized honeybee emergency line at
(800) 233-9279.

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