Scientist sheds light on African honey bees

Kansas

News of the African honey bee's (AHB) migration toward the central United States has surfaced recently, and while much of it is true, a Kansas State University entomologist believes a few more details would be helpful.

"These bees, sometimes called 'killer bees' are indistinguishable from the common European honey bees (EHB) we are used to as far as appearance," said Jeff Whitworth, with K-State Research and Extension. "They have to be collected and sent to a lab to determine, physically, whether they are African honey bees or European honey bees. The AHBs are more aggressive at defending their territory, however, and thus the problem.

"All bees defend their territory," Whitworth said, "and release a chemical upon stinging which stimulates the other members of the colony to attack at the site of the stinging. So, if stung by a bee-run."

While running, try to scrape away the stinger, and attached chemical emitter, as that is what the bees are keying on, he said. The African honey bee is no more toxic then the more typical European honey bee, but because of their more aggressive nature, more stings may occur. The average, non-allergic human can withstand approximately 10 stings per pound of body weight. The AHB seems to be a little less tolerant of intruders, so if you notice a swarm of bees it is best to give it a wide birth--at least 100 feet--and report the swarm to your county or district K-State Research and Extension county or district office.

AHBs have been positively identified from specimens collected in Oklahoma, the most recent from a swarm in southern Oklahoma in January this year.

"It has been reported that AHBs can migrate anywhere from 30 to 300 miles per year during swarming," Whitworth said. "Bees swarm to find new sites for colonization where food and water are available. Thus, it is difficult to determine exactly how far they will swarm, but probably, and as their history indicates, closer to the 30 to 60 mile range, or even less if they find suitable nesting sites."

The AHB differs from the EHB, however, as it may swarm more often during the growing season. EHBs usually swarm once a year, but under the right conditions, an established colony of AHBs may produce one or two swarms every six weeks, so at least the chance of encountering a swarm of AHBs is greater.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has established several monitoring stations along the Kansas/Oklahoma border, Whitworth said. These stations use a chemical called a pheromone which attracts bees, both EHB and AHB. Bees may be attracted to this chemical from various distances, depending on the weather, but probably from a mile or less. If bees find these stations they will not necessarily be AHBs and, if a swarm should cross the border, the chances are better that they won't find these stations. These stations are being monitored periodically by KDA personnel.

The bottom line, said Whitworth, is that African honey bees have never been found in Kansas. They have been positively identified from counties in north central Oklahoma in 2005 and southern Oklahoma in January, 2006. They appear to not be able to overwinter from central Oklahoma north, so if they do reach Kansas, they will have had to traverse considerable distances without finding suitable nesting sites.

------SIDEBAR------

Know what to do when bees swarm

Kansas

When out and about this year, Midwesterners should be aware that the pleasant buzzing of bees could mean something different than the presence of the typical European honey bee.

African honey bees have already been found in Oklahoma this year and could be making their way to Kansas. The bees are known for their aggressive nature and intolerance for humans.

"If you notice a swarm of bees this year, stay at least 100 feet away and notify your county or district K-State Research and Extension office," said Extension entomologist Jeff Whitworth. "If you are stung by a bee, run and scrape away the stinger/chemical attractor as soon as possible, to help avoid attracting other bees which may lead to more stings. All honey bees are great pollinators and if left alone will leave you alone while pollinating our crops and plants."

Additional information regarding European or African honey bees is available at county and district K-State Research and Extension offices.

Date: 5/25/06

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