People may encounter bees just sitting on tree branches or on the sides of structures. If left alone, Akins said, they usually move away on their own. It's his experience that if bees stay in a location for three days, they've found a new home. At that point, they'll sting to protect the hive.
Akins does not keep bees, but when he finds a hive that can possibly be preserved, he gives it to local Tipton Valley Honey company. If a hive is embedded within a home, and can't be retrieved, he may have to destroy the colony.
Because of the decline in bee population, they definitely shouldn't be considered pests unless there's no way to preserve them. Colony collapse disorder is causing bees to desert their hives, bringing concern for farmers needing bees to pollinate their crops. The local Tipton Valley Honey company bees have been called into service to pollinate as far away as California.
Gray Grose, manager of Tipton Valley, conducted a study of 147 wild honey bee colonies in the Tipton area. Reporting the results in USA Today, Grose found that 128 of the colonies had cross-bred with Africanized honey bees.
No matter what type of bees you may encounter, Akins said it's a good idea for people to be careful while operating small engines such as lawn mowers and weed-eaters. The vibrations of the engines excite bees to attack. Parents should teach their children to cover their mouths and noses if they are attacked by bees. Children should not throw rocks or sticks at bees. Swinging arms and batting at bees makes them more agitated. Getting into a structure or vehicle will end the attack. "In years past, European bees would forget they were angry after chasing a person about 50 feet," Akins said, "not these Africanized bees." For that reason jumping into a pond or pool may not work either. They may just wait for you.
As with most situations, people are better off being aware of their surroundings.
Post a Comment
