I was at the gas pumps today and across the pump from me was a "Parks and recreation" van from the city of Deltona, FL. I struck up a conversation with the driver about everything from pig trapping (been a good year for it here) to fishing. Then I asked him if he ever came across feral bees or swarms in his work and he said "very seldom but yes, we do find them on occasion." When I asked what they do with them he said they" call some guy and he comes out and sprays them with some white stuff to kill them." I first just said "That aint right man!" and was about to really go off on the poor guy, but then I realized that he really had nothing to do with it all.
I've decided that I need to go to the head of his department and explain a few things too him! I'll go into the whole plight of the bees...CCD....feral stock etal argument with him to see if I can somehow get them to stop this senseless practice. I can use a little more ammo for the fight though. Does anyone know what this "White stuff" might be? If I can find out I can hit 'em with the bad chemical approach as well.
Thanks for your replies,
Scott
Sorry, but I think you are fighting a losing battle. Jerry Hayes, Apiary Inspection Assistant Chief for the state of Florida's Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Bureau, recommends ALL feral swarms be eradicated. He is adamant in his feelings and I don't think you have much chance of changing his mind.
It may or may not be the law in Florida or certain counties thereof, that feral swarms be eradicated.
If there is no law, just tell the guy's boss you like bees and would appreciate those calls, so you can save them, and tell him their useful values. No need to get into the negative and put the guy on defense, then, you get no calls.
...JP
Thanks to you too JP,
I'm sure you're right...a little tact can go a long way with red tape types.
Scott
Sorry iddee, the post I made to thank you was lost some how so...thanx again!
Quote from: hardwood on August 28, 2009, 08:33:49 PM
Thanks to you too JP,
I'm sure you're right...a little tact can go a long way with red tape types.
Scott
Scott, I've done the yelling and berating thing and it just doesn't work. The best thing is to somehow find it in yourself to educate that person who sprayed the bees or lit them on fire or whatever, about how wonderful bees are and really pour it on and share your excitement. Bee excitement is contagious.
...JP
Due to the saturation of AHB they kill all feral bees for the sake of the public. Believe it or not it helps beeks as well, the fewer folks that get hurt and make big KILLER BEE headlines the better.