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

作者：Efstathion Caroline A^*; Kern William H Jr

来源：Jove-Journal of Visualized Experiments, 2016, (115): e53950.

DOI：10.3791/53950

• Environmental Sciences
• Issue 115
• Africanized honey bees
• nest competition
• permethrin
• integrated pest management
• pheromone
• conservation

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.

• 出版日期2016-9