AFRICANIZED HONEY BEES: FACTS AND FICTIONS

We have all heard about the invasion of the "Killer Bees" and we might be unsure about what to believe. Honey bee researcher Jordan Twombly Ellis sorts out the reality from the hype.

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[richardbarmore]

Thank you, I am just now getting into beekeeping and this was one of the biggest questions that I had. You answered it perfectly.

[charleyfrancis]

As a Beekeeper in Southern Arizona, and I also do swarm removal and cutouts, I think you are understating the very real danger and risks of interaction with AHB. The AHB have characteristics in their behavior that are pretty much non-existent in a typical European honey bee. Such as a tendency to make a hive in areas low to the ground. Examples of such, discarded tires, over turned flowerpots, cavities in the ground and valve pits such as where you would find irrigation or water valves. AHB also are more triggered by vibrations and noise such as generated by a leaf blower or lawn mower. AHB will also pursue in defense of the hive far longer, be it in distance or time than a typical EHB. Granted, some EHB can get quite grumpy, at times and be no fun. And yes AHB do have hygienic qualities regarding mites. However, I will point out, that in Southern Arizona every year one of two people, a few dogs and sometimes livestock get killed by AHB. Yes, AHB if worked in a apiary, over time seem to mellow out somewhat in particular if the hive is kept small. But in the wild, including urban areas, swarms and hives are a whole different situation, and they can kill you. This should not be understated.

[americanindeon]

Thank you. I can tell your were nervous but you did great job!

[KovietUnionDefector]

A really interesting and well presented video! Thanks for your work!

[Kramakrenko]

In Brazil, for honey production, we keep only Africanized bees, because they produced more than native or European bees. And they are not this “monster” that Hollywood put in your minds 👍

[Stewieism]

I'm an apiary worker from New Zealand, haven't had the pleasure of witnessing africanized bees myself yet, but have heard tales through my colleagues. You've answered all my questions about them, thank you for the informative video, you did an excellent job

[crazierthings]

Everyone is thinking of honey bees for pollinators. But people forget or just don't know that the bumblebee is a much better pollinator. Because they do not produce money honey people just kind of neglected them.

[apieceofbread]

Don't all bees attack in defense of a hive? How would a person know the difference?

[elsabadenhorst]

I am from South Africa and gave 8 hives in my garden. We do not have a problem with them as this is what we are used to. At least the criminals stay away from my house.

[collinc]

i wanted to watch this because this the type of bees that just swarmed my neighborhood and let no one leave their house for like 3 hours

[prizma]

Thanks for this
Used to think they would terrorise the world but this is the more recent vid and almost 3 years old

[THX-vbyz]

Really enjoyed the love learning about bees, but especially africanized. Thank you Jordan

[scipio]

... I was under the impression that other natural pollinators aren't relied on to pollinate crops because they are selective and don't pollinate every flower, compared to the bee, which basically pollinates every flower...

[shadesofpurple]

I'm from south Africa and I was so confused when i heard that africanized bees are aggressive. Our bees are so sweet and kind, We can scoop them up with our hands. They are completely wild and whenever they flee a hive they end up in my yard and we help them out with shelter until they are ready to move again. I'm not a bee expert, we just kinda take responsibility for the animals and creatures who live on our property. I've never been stung once

[stevegodwin]

The African bees do not hybridize well with European bees. Genetic tests in the Brazilian area around the original release point showed that 30 years later, the bees were still primarily African. Also, your video leaves the impression that people should not fear Africanized bees. But let's put it this way... Everyone needs to have great respect for African bees. Do NOT attempt to deal with a hive on your property. Call in experts. African bees DO kill animals and people - usually toddlers or the elderly. Here in Arizona, 100% of feral hives are Africanized and significant bee attacks happen a couple times a year. I gave up backyard beekeeping because it's too difficult now, and IMO, it's irresponsible to keep Africanized hives in an urban setting.

[waynebarker]

Good video. im in africa and we have bee keepers here...obviously and when I watch some youtube videos about african killer bees being so dangerous and having to kill them.... i think hey what are these people on about? i have a hive in my backyard and i dont even know they are there... no aggression.

[shanepasha]

I appreciate her understanding of Afracnized Honey Bees. Her closing statement atually sums up why we may need a strain of AHB in the pool of genetics in our honey bee queens to combat pests and mites.
You did a good job Jordan. Thank you.

[janschwartz]

Good video. I learned some new thing about Africanized bees, but I have to say that some people, dogs, and horses have been killed by the bees in southern AZ. To my knowledge, none went knocking on their hives, but perhaps got a little too close. Is there a time when they are more aggressive than usual?

[kylepope]

2:22 big facts. We just had to shoe a swarm out of our sailboat sitting next to the sunflower patch, which lead me here! :)

[curryandapint]

I actually managed to buy some killer bee honey in the UK. Company called Mama Buci - honey's brilliant but apparently they have a high staff turnover :- )