TB 83 Africanized Honeybees Flashcards
In 1956, African honeybee queens were imported into ____ by researchers attempting to boost the productivity of the resident European honeybee.
Brazil
The intent was to cross the highly productive African honeybee with the common European variety to produce a hybrid bee that would possess the____ of the African honeybee while maintaining the ______ of the European honeybee.
increased honey production / gentle characteristics
During the experiment, swarms of the bees accidentally escaped into the_____ .The swarms developed into feral (or wild colonies), and began to spread throughout ____.
Brazilian countryside / South America.
These hybrid bees were named Africanized Honeybees and have since migrated at a rate of ____ annually through Latin America and into the Southern United States.
200 to 300 miles
The bees thrive in_____ similar to those found in Southern, and Central California.
warm tropical and semi-tropical climates
Field Identification of the Africanized honeybee is difficult, as these bees look very similar to the European ____.
honeybee in size, color, and overall appearance
Whereas the European honeybee is considered ____, the AHB is extremely ____ with a great tenacity to protect its hive.
docile / aggressive
These bees have the ability to detect the vibrations of a person or animal walking up to ____ and will send out large numbers of bees to investigate / attack the disturbance.
100 feet away
Once the first sting occurs, the bee releases an “______” scent, which fills the air and signals to the hive that an attack has begun.
attack pheromone
Several hundred bees will join forces to repel the invader with an average defensive action of ______.
85 stings per 30 seconds.
Unlike the European honeybee that will drive a man or animal as far as ____ before ceasing an attack, the AHB will chase an intruder up to a ____ with the defensive action lasting _____.
400 yards / half-mile / 8 hours or more
The sting of an AHB is no more venomous than a common honeybee, but the ____ from an attack poses a potential health risk.
increase in quantity of stings
Africanized Honey Bee (AHB): An aggressive species of bee, not visibly distinguishable from the _____.
common European honeybee.
Colony: A community of bees that is _____ with a small number of bees flying in close proximity to the hive.
stationary (hive)
Swarm: A cluster of bees that have _____.
left the hive.
Active Swarm: Numerous _____, occupying a wide area.
agitated bees flying wildly around
Exclusion Zone: A minimum ____ established around the insects. This area is subject to change according to swarm activity.
300-foot area
Anaphylactic Shock: An exaggerated allergic reaction manifested by _____.
bronchospasm and vascular collapse.
Stinging Incidents :
Pant cuffs, coat sleeves, collar, and coat waist shall be secured against the body with ____ to prevent the bees from entering the turnouts.
duct tape
Stinging Incidents :
Place a 1” hose line with a spray nozzle into service. The nozzle should be adjusted to a _____ and directed to drive the insects away from the victim(s).
wide-angle fog pattern
Stinging Incidents :
The fog spray should be applied in a circular motion covering the ground and _____ around the victim(s). If possible, a second 1” hose line should be placed into service to further protect rescuers and the victim(s).
30 feet of air space
For apparatus with Class A foam capability, a_____ of Class A foam sprayed upon the AHB is sufficient to immediately immobilize the bees and ____ within minutes.
1% solution / kill them
Foam agents establish a _____ against the bees, neutralizing the alarm pheromone produced by AHB stings. Foam also blocks the _____, causing suffocation and death.
physical and odor barrier / breathing tubes of the bees
Establish an exclusionary zone of ____ around the swarm.
300’ minimum
The dead insects shall be recovered and disposed of by placing them in a ____ secure from access to children, animals, and birds.
rubbish container
If a colony of bees is located inside a structure, such as in a wall, attic, or crawl space, the Incident Commander shall _______. Fire Department personnel shall not attempt to remove bees located inside a structure.
advise the property owner to select and request a pest control operator (listed in the yellow pages) to eradicate the bees
Surprise Attacks :
____ in a straight line.
Do run away
Surprise Attacks :
Do protect your _____, as the bees tend to attack and sting these areas of the body.
eyes, nose, and mouth
Surprise Attacks : Do not stay in one location trying to remove / fend off the bees with your hands. Staying in one area can ____. You will quickly be overcome with bee stings.
prove fatal
Do not jump into a body of water, this will only temporarily deter the bees. The bees will remain a threat since the AHB is _____.
persistent and will wait for you to come up for air.
- The Bee Veil must be worn _______.
over the firefighting helmet
- Place veil over helmet with the ____ to the front. Place drawstrings to the rear.
widest section of the veil
- Bring strings to the front (_______) and thread the ends of the strings through the plastic ring on the front of the veil. (_______.)
under each arm / Thread strings through the ring from opposite directions
- Pull strings through the ring and tie tightly to secure a bee-tight closure against ___
the body.
