In 1956 a scientist by the name of Dr. Kern brought 26 African honey bee queens from a tropical area of Africa to Brazil. The reason for this was that our EHB was not producing very much honey in South America because the EHB is not a tropical honey bee. The introduction of this new bee from Africa increased honey production from 35lbs a colony per year to 125lbs per year. These African honey bee queens were introduced into hives that were used for experiments and testing. At some point these queens or hives swarmed or escaped and moved into the wild jungles of South America where they grew and took over the wild honey bee populations. As these wild African bees grew and swarmed they moved out in every direction mating with the local wild colonies becoming the hybrid Africanized Honey Bee (AHB) that we have today. Swarms of AHB will migrate up to 50 miles and with their constant swarming the AHB front will move 150 to 200 miles a year. This migration has been going on since 1956 and in 1998 the AHB arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada
Yes, the AHB is a very productive honey bee, in fact the AHB has helped Brazil to become one of the 10 largest honey producers in the world. Many rumors have come out about the AHB and over time one rumor has been that these bees do not produce honey, this is not true. Management is the key in beekeeping to get them to produce honey. The AHB is just a different honey bee that needs different management, you can’t manage AHB like EHB and expect them to work the same. Bee Master of Las Vegas, Inc. regularly removed 50lbs to 100lbs and more of honey from attics and other areas where these bees nest.
Removal is not always needed but should be closely considered if there is any chance that the hive has been in the roof for more than 1 to 2 weeks. Long term infestations should be removed to prevent further damage to your house or structure. When Bee Master of Las Vegas, Inc. recommends a structural bee hive removal we anticipate removing 40 to 100 pounds of honey and hive. To give you an idea of how much honey we are talking about, a 5 gal bucket of honey weighs 60lbs.
No, unless you have a serious allergy to bee venom. Statistically, less than 1% of the population is allergic to stinging insects and honey bees are 1 of thousands of stinging insects. It is unlikely that you are allergic to honey bee venom. A serious allergy is one that effects the respiratory system and after a sting this person will suffocate and die within 15 to 20 min. Local swelling to the area where the sting occurred is normal. Ice can be applied to the area to keep swelling down and a anti-histamine can be taken to reduce the irritation and itchiness. If in doubt seek medical attention.
Bees need water for 2 reasons. 1. Honey is a very concentrated food and if it granulates adding water will melt or soften the honey so it can be fed to baby bees. 2. In the summer, bees use water to keep the hive cool. Bees will gather water and place droplets around the hive then fan the water to help it evaporate like a swamp cooler cools your home. If you have a problem with honey bees at your pond or pool we may be able to track the bees back to the source and notify the owner of the property about the hive so it can be killed.
Hiking, camping and other outdoor activities are one area in which the public is at risk of bee attacks and it can be a major problem. If an attack occurs, it is important that you get away from where the bees are attacking. Bees are only trying to drive you away from their nest so RUN and seek shelter. If shelter is not available then just RUNNING away is the key. When bees attack they want to drive you away as fast as they can so the face is where they will sting you the most. Protecting your face with your shirt or coat is a good idea. Personal protective equipment is also a great idea.
