Re: [pyrnet] CHAT: OT:Bees & "Killer Bees" in Virginia

["SWachter" <SWachter@email.msn.com>]

-----Original Message-----
From: PyrLove214@aol.com <PyrLove214@aol.com>
To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org <pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org>
Date: Friday, July 21, 2000 9:38 AM
Subject: [pyrnet] CHAT: OT:Bees & "Killer Bees" in Virginia


I just want to add a word about the Africanized Bees, aka, Killer beeds.  If
you don't want to read this, delete NOW.

Pam wrote:
Today's paper carried a confirmation that the bees that killed a goat in
Augusta County, VA and attacked several humans before the hive was destroyed
are Africanized or "killer" bees...

In a sidebar article, it was pointed out that the population of natural bees
in Virginia has dropped 90% over the five to ten past years (due to
mites)...


If this trend does not change, we will soon see changes in our basic diet.
You can say good-bye to things like watermelon and cucumbers, except for the
very (ed, RICH!!) who will be able to afford cucumbers pollinated by humans
with
brushes. Of course, there will be no more honey and the quality of many
other crops will go down.
****
I want to rage against the newspaper once again making a rich vs. poor
comment!!!! I'm tired of it!  Plus I hate all this b.s. about "for the
children."  ANYWAY, it's not just watermelon and cucumbers, folks.  Think
about everything a bee pollinates.....how many different fruits?  Probably
all you are currently eating regularly.  Vegetables vary, some are self
pollinating, others need bees.  Most grains are wind pollinated.

The Africanized bees have been in Central and South American for years now
and gradually beekeepers are adapting.  Big problem is the Africanized bees
do not put their brood separate from their food honey like the European bees
plus there is far less honey.  So yes, honey costs will skyrocket.
Pollination can continue but the ABees are a bit more lazy about
pollination---and farmers are in greater danger...as are we.
There is some hope that since the brood is not as well protected, the hive
will freeze out over a severe winter. That doesn't mean a new one can't move
in quickly--since these guys seem to swarm more often than the Euros-and can
easily hitch a ride on passing trucks, campers, containers.

Where ABees appear, the newsmedia will provide plenty of info, but beware,
alot will be hype.  Seek the info of the experts such as Cooperative
Extension Service, they give info, not hype.

Don't try to fight Abees!  Where in a Euro hive you might receive 3 stings,
in an Abee hive you could receive 3,000 stings.  They as a whole are more
aggressive.  As a single bee, however, they are quite mellow--they just have
an elevated territorial response around home.  In appearance, they look like
honey bees--which they are.

Fire trucks, pumper trucks, should carry Dawn liquid deterent.  A mix of 1
cup of Dawn per gallon of water (yes, a thick solution) instantly kills the
bees.

If you are ever attacked by Abees, run like hell, into an enclosed
area--home, car, etc.  It is almost impossible to outrun these guys as they
will give chase much farther than the Euros.  How's your quarter mile sprint
speed?