Abstract
Feral European honey bees (EHB) (Apis mellifera L.) commonly nest in tree hollows. In southern Florida, tree hollows ( are fairly common and are caused by internal decay, especially in trees that have storm damage or have been improperly pruned. The more aggressive Africanized honey bee (AHB) (Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier), takes over or usurps ( Lepeletier) EHB nests. As the AHB spreads throughout Florida, their presence is causing increased "stinging events" to humans and in animal deaths. To be proactive, trees with hollows should be bee-proofed in high risk areas such as school yards, playgrounds, and recreational areas. Different methods of bee-proofing trees are discussed.
