A Push-pull Protocol to Reduce Colonization of Bird Nest Boxes by Honey Bees

Summary

Preventing colonization of bird nest boxes by invasive Africanized honey bees is important for conservation efforts of nest-site limited birds. We provide an integrated pest management approach to "push" bees away from nest boxes with a repellant insecticide, permethrin, and "pull" them toward pheromone baited swarm traps.

Abstract

Introduction of the invasive Africanized honey bee (AHB) into the Neotropics is a serious problem for many cavity nesting birds, specifically parrots. These bees select cavities that are suitable nest sites for birds, resulting in competition. The difficulty of removing bees and their defensive behavior makes a prevention protocol necessary. Here, we describe a push-pull integrated pest management protocol to deter bees from inhabiting bird boxes by applying a bird safe insecticide, permethrin, to repel bees from nest boxes, while simultaneously attracting them to pheromone-baited swarm traps. Shown here is an example experiment using Barn Owl nest boxes. This protocol successfully reduced colonization of Barn Owl nest boxes by Africanized honey bees. This protocol is flexible, allowing adjustments to accommodate a wide range of bird species and habitats. This protocol could benefit conservation efforts where AHB are located.

Introduction

Since the accidental introduction of more than two dozen African honey bee queens into Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1957¹, these insects have spread throughout South and Central America and up into the southern United States, usurping and replacing the less well adapted European honey bees (EHB) in the feral population. These hybrid Africanized honey bees (AHB) have traits that put them in conflict with both humans and wildlife. They exhibit highly defensive behavior, reproduce very fast, and are less selective about where they make a home^1,2.

Although nest boxes have long been used by ornithologists to enhance breeding by cav....

Protocol

1. Construction of Swarm Trap Boxes

NOTE: There are two alternate protocols for swarm trap construction included as steps 1.1 and 1.2. There are several additional ways trap boxes could be constructed. The following two methods are presented here because we have tested them in experiments and they have been successful. For either protocol, use 1.3 cm to 2 cm thick non-pressure treated plywood.

1. Construction of Swarm Trap Protocol Option 1: Building a Trap Box
   1. Cut six pieces of plywood 30 cm x 30 cm.
   2. Attach the four sides of the box together with nails or screws.
   3. Attach the bottom piece by nails or screws.
   4. ....

Results

A previous small pilot push-pull study conducted in Brazil showed swarm traps were effective and reduced bee occupation of parrot nest boxes²². To determine if the push-pull method can be effective at a larger scale to reduce colonization of bird nest boxes by AHB, we conducted a field study in sugarcane fields in southern Florida, USA. Sixty Barn Owl nest boxes were installed and each was paired with a swarm trap located 15 m away. Every swarm trap received a pheromone lure. O.......

Discussion

As a highly successful invasive insect¹⁷, AHB constitute a major competitor for cavity-nesting birds throughout their range. The protocol presented here is designed to reduce the colonization rates of bird nest boxes by AHB. The main components of this design include 1) the use of a repellant and bird-safe insecticide, permethrin; 2) The provision of an alternate nesting site for bees; and 3) the use of an attractant pheromone inside trap boxes. Bees usually make the "right" decision when choosing a ne.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Citral (ACROS Organics)	Fisher Scientific	AC11044-1000
Geraniol (ACROS Organics)	Fisher Scientific	AC41090-1000
PermaCap CS	BASF		controlled release permethrin