Africanos

Posted on by

  
Many of the bees in Panama are Africanized. Thanks to the brilliance of a Brazilian science project and Panama being a narrow country and gateway to North America, these traveling mobs show up, build a temporary nest on their queen out in the open, and when they are done they peel away in just a few seconds and move on. We watched the entire process at the cabin last year, and it’s pretty amazing. Scary, but you just have to watch. I was building on the chicken coop yesterday and my neighbor, Tito showed up and pointed just behind me about 5 feet and said “Africanos”. They were not there yesterday, but I need to be more aware of my surroundings. Fascinating, but nasty.    

 This is all the closer I was willing to get, after I worked next to them a half an hour. 

 
 

14 thoughts on “Africanos”

    • They mind their own business but if you disturb them the whole gang comes after you. I’m following my neighbors lead and staying away til they leave or I get the poison tomorrow. Also the fire department will come take care of all Africanos if you ask them.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. This is a very great piece of work,… I I like it.
    A unique style of writing and captivates the mind of the reader.
    Good thing u gat here. Keep it up, I will be back for more.

    By the way, I am Vicky Lonia, and I have blog too.

    VICKY LONIA’S Blog
    https://vickyloniasblog.wordpress.com

    I just followed you, do follow back, thanks.

    Like

    Reply

  5. Hi, I’ve enjoyed your previous post. I invite you to pls edit the part which states, “All the bees in Panama are Africanized” which is incorrect. I walk trails, hike and I’m constantly working in gardens and as someone that is highly allergic to bees stings, I would have probably chosen a different type of life style if it were the case.
    Things to consider about Bees in America
    The Spanish Bee was introduced in the 1500 by European explores.
    Italian bees were introduced by Hermann Gnaegi, a Swiss employee of Nestle in 1937, and took them to Nata.
    In 1957, 20 something queen bees escaped their lab in Brazil. The first report of Africanized Bees in Panama was in 1981 and they have spread all over Latin America as they breed with the Italian and Spanish Bee.
    This to consider when you find a beehive
    European bees switch hives once or twice a year hence a lot a bees do the move, so the swarm will be the size of a 10 gallon bucket, they gather in dry above ground spaces.
    African bees switch hives some more than 10 times a year, smaller swarms that gather mostly underground but sometime get a branch. Their swarms are about the size of a 5 gallon bucket.
    Keep up the blog I like it. I just don’t want all bees in Panama to have a bad rep that’s all.

    Like

    Reply

  6. We’re in Arizona now, and our bees are also africanized. Although a hive camped temporarily near us, they weren’t aggressive. At least we have bees to work for us! My son practices in Houston with a former keeper who had to give it up and go to law school due to the death of bees. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Also..I’m hoping you are back on your feet. As much talk as there is about simple, sustainable living, there are still more people joining in the destruction and money life than are getting away from it. Lots of talk but few make the jump. Good luck in your new adventure.

      Like

      Reply

    • Yes. We just let them be and they move on. I had some cool swarms in the corn a few times. They are a little aggressive looking. I did get some video slo mo in the corn tops

      Like

      Reply

    • Also if you get a chance, the beige monkey post has my best close up of howler monkey. I was 5 feet away. They are hard to get good pics of because you’re always looking up. All you get is shadows. They’re too dark

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment