Killing Killer Bees - Avoiding Bee Problems In Your Backyard

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Killing Killer Bees

• Avoiding Bee Problems In Your Backyard

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In the Media

• Stories of Killer Bees surround us every day.
• In March 2013, two park workers picking up
  garbage in Tampa, FL, were stung nearly 100 times
  when they overturned an old truck tire.
• In the same month, Killer Bees built a nest under
  a Houston womans truck in her driveway in a
  matter of hours. Pest control professionals
  removed nearly 8,000 bees from under the truck.
• March 2013 also saw a story out of Hollywood, CA,
  where a pitbull was stung to death after tree
  trimmers disturbed their hive.

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An Overview

• Killer Bees are actually Africanized Honey Bees.
• Unless youre an expert, its difficult to tell
  them apart from common honey bees.
• In 1956, several colonies were imported into
  Brazil. The goal was to cross-breed them with
  common bees, hoping to increase production. In
  1957, 26 queens escaped, forming hybrid
  populations almost immediately. The result has
  been a slow spread toward the U.S.

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Are They Really Killers?

• Since they were initially introduced to the
  population, approximately 1,000 humans have been
  killed by these bees. The problem is that victims
  often get ten times as many stings from these
  bees as they do the common honey bee.
• Moreover, they react to disturbances faster and
  can chase individuals much further, up to a
  quarter of a mile.

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Serious Environmental Impact
While the dangers to people from Killer Bees is
of real concern, they have an impact on the
environment as well. They cant pollinate
farmers crops as well, they tend to abandon
their nests quicker, and they cant survive the
winter. Honey production also suffers.
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Preventing Bees On Your Property

• One of the best ways to minimize bee problems on
  your property is to take a closer look around
  with these things in mind.

• Bees like to live in hollow trees or other
  cavities. Eliminate those hot spots on your
  property.
• Listen for buzzing sounds on your property when
  you enter an area that might contain bees.

• Bees need a supply of water to live, so make
  certain you dont have any loose faucets or other
  leaks. Get rid of standing water as well.
• Inspect your property for potential problem areas
  on a regular basis.

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If You Are Attacked

• In the event that you cannot prevent an attack,
  run away from the location as quickly as you can.
  Take shelter in a vehicle or a home.
• Pull your shirt up to protect your head and neck.
  
• If you cannot reach a secure location, cover
  yourself with a blanket, tarp, sleeping bag, or
  other material. While you remain under cover,
  crawl away.
• Visit the nearest emergency room if you feel
  short of breath, nauseated, or dizzy.

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Pest Control Experts

• The largest independently owned pest control
  company in Brevard County, we offer cutting edge
  solutions to help you deal with Killer Bees.
  Contact us for more information.