The bees are back

[NorTracNY]

I was not trying to be alarmist but intended to make sure folks understood the potential danger posed by the Africanized honey bee. The thread you linked to portrays the danger very well. In that case, it is very likely an Africanized honey bee nest. The OP in that thread was very lucky he had a cab. Like the European honey bee, the nest size can easily reach 25000 or more bees during the honey season. Of that number, a significant portion of the bees will react to a threat in a hostile manner and they are very persistent. The one saving grace is that each bee can sting only once.

Normally, what I suggest to people is that insects like the Africanized honey bee do have a place in the world. They pollinate plants just like their less defensive European cousin. And the reality is that we probably could never eradicate them. The cat is out of the bag. But where there is a high likelihood of a person wandering near the nest and the danger it poses, then either relocation or destruction should be considered. When necessary, a person equipped to safely and properly deal with the threat should be contacted.

I also don't want to be an alarmist, but you most likely have some genetics in your bees from Africa. A hot hive is a hot hive. If you don't like the temperament, then change the queen. There are tons of nucs brought up from Florida and the Carolinas every spring. Many of these contain genetics from Africa. There are very few "purebred" honeybees. Despite me trying to talk to my young virgins queens about those bad drones, they always fly up to those drone congregation sites and do as she pleases. The young girls kill about a dozen drones and she doesn't seem to get a genetic makeup sheet from them before doing it.

There are several universities that have looked at the genetics of the wild bees. I listened to one 3 years back at a local bee conference. I do not have a link for you, but I'm sure you could search for them if you care to.

 

[saxnbees]

I also don't want to be an alarmist, but you most likely have some genetics in your bees from Africa. A hot hive is a hot hive. If you don't like the temperament, then change the queen. There are tons of nucs brought up from Florida and the Carolinas every spring. Many of these contain genetics from Africa. There are very few "purebred" honeybees. Despite me trying to talk to my young virgins queens about those bad drones, they always fly up to those drone congregation sites and do as she pleases. The young girls kill about a dozen drones and she doesn't seem to get a genetic makeup sheet from them before doing it.

There are several universities that have looked at the genetics of the wild bees. I listened to one 3 years back at a local bee conference. I do not have a link for you, but I'm sure you could search for them if you care to.

I usually do not tolerate defensive hives. Most queens heading up a defensive colony meet a quick end. The worst hive I ever had was when I purchased a queen from Texas when the Africanized bees first arrived in Texas. That queen only lasted about 2 months before she met her end. I did have one the last few years that did not bother you unless you opened the hive. Then they were quick to respond. But that hive produced nearly 300 lbs/year and never attempted to swarm. The queen lived 3 years before she was replaced. I just did not inspect them as often or as thoroughly as the other hives. I was sad to see her go.

If I buy a queen, I try to get one from an area where Africanized bees do not exist. Locally bred bees are best here in Maine. That is usually what I recommend. But you are right. Due to the practice of raising bees in the south and shipping them north has spread some Africanized genes practically everywhere by now.

 

[NorTracNY]

I usually do not tolerate defensive hives. Most queens heading up a defensive colony meet a quick end. The worst hive I ever had was when I purchased a queen from Texas when the Africanized bees first arrived in Texas. That queen only lasted about 2 months before she met her end. I did have one the last few years that did not bother you unless you opened the hive. Then they were quick to respond. But that hive produced nearly 300 lbs/year and never attempted to swarm. The queen lived 3 years before she was replaced. I just did not inspect them as often or as thoroughly as the other hives. I was sad to see her go.

If I buy a queen, I try to get one from an area where Africanized bees do not exist. Locally bred bees are best here in Maine. That is usually what I recommend. But you are right. Due to the practice of raising bees in the south and shipping them north has spread some Africanized genes practically everywhere by now.

My very first hive was hot, but I was new and only purchased the one so I didn't know it wasn't "normal." My mentor at the time wondered if skunks were bothering it or did I just go into it before he came. Mine was different in that it didn't produce a huge amount of honey, but swarmed lots. Those swarms were captured and were the gentlest bees I've had. They produced lots of honey too. I always found it odd. I think it was 3-4 years before I lost that hive. I had a new beekeeper that I was mentoring have a hot hive. Not fun for new beekeepers. Luckily he's stayed with it.

 

[Diggin It]

The Buzz Brigade was aggressively attacking my Peach tree yesterday.

 

[DarkBlack]

My peach trees are still sleeping

 

[Molalla1]

My peach trees are still sleeping

Love peaches . . . :thumbsup:

 

[ovrszd]

Since it's a really big deal to both of you to not tell ANYONE where you are, I could care less what your peach trees are doing. Has absolutely no relevance to anyone reading your posts.

 

[/pine]

Since it's a really big deal to both of you to not tell ANYONE where you are, I could care less what your peach trees are doing. Has absolutely no relevance to anyone reading your posts.

And you speak for "anyone" reading those posts?...that's a bit of an overreach even for you...

 

[ovrszd]

And you speak for "anyone" reading those posts...that's a bit of an overreach even for you...

Show me exactly where I included anyone but myself???

How are things in Minnesota anyway???

 

[Molalla1]

Since it's a really big deal to both of you to not tell ANYONE where you are, I could care less what your peach trees are doing. Has absolutely no relevance to anyone reading your posts.

I believe it's Lower Uncton for Diggin It, the other who knows? :laughing: