Authorities remove over 120 wild bee colonies

In the wake of persons being attacked by Africanised bees to the extent where some have died, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), in collaboration with Apiculturists of Guyana, has embarked on a National Capture and Redistribution of these wild swarms.
This exercise commenced during the first quarter of 2022, and more than 126 wild colonies have been removed so far.
The agencies, while acknowledging the danger posed by wild bees, said citizens have a role to play in ensuring that their communities are safe from Africanised bees.
Earlier this month, a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman died days after being stung by bees in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) where most of the attacks have been reported, particularly the Upper Corentyne.
Several other persons have been stung and subsequently hospitalised after being attacked by bees.
Keerat Kassim, a 38-year-old cash crop farmer, was attacked by a swarm of the bees on his farm at  Crabwood Creek while Harry Narine Ramdas, 47, was attacked while in his yard at Corriverton – both of them were subsequently hospitalised after the separate attacks this month.
The recent increase in bee attacks has been attributed to the fact that the honey flow season is currently on. The majority of the attacks on humans and livestock have been reported in Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Six.
Ramatali Kassim, a 60-year-old farmer who was also attacked by bees on the Upper Corentyne during October, said the swarm flew out of some bushes from an abandoned plot of land next to his farm and attacked him.
Ramdas, who was stung and subsequently hospitalised, said the bees which attacked him in his yard came from a sawmill next door with several derelict vehicles.
Many residential communities have what are considered ‘bee-friendly’ environments which contribute to the bees’ presence near humans and livestock.
Closed and uninhabited buildings, abandoned vehicles, unused agriculture implements, discarded refrigerators, old paint pots, and areas overrun with bush are all havens for bees.
GLDA, which falls under the Agriculture Ministry, on Wednesday said that a multi-stakeholder approach was needed to make the environment safe for residents and livestock.
In its statement, the agency undertook that it would continue to address the issue of wild bee colonies within residential areas. However, it encourages residents and the various NDCs to remove all derelict vehicles, equipment, and other forms of garbage that may provide bee housing.
According to the GLDA, an increase in bees around lights at night is an indication that there is a hive nearby.
Persons are advised not to disturb hives as that may result in the bees launching an attack. Persons are also advised to refrain from making loud noises or attempting to dislodge or destroy the bees if they notice a swarm nearby.
The capture and removal of bees are currently being done free of cost by the Government of Guyana through GLDA and the various Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs).
Persons can contact the agency on telephone number 220-6556 for assistance in removing wild bee colonies.