Human victims of a massive number of
stings have been steadily increasing since the invasion of Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera) to the United States in 1990. Multiple honey bee
stings may result in
venom toxicity, leading to
renal failure and even death. Here we tested the efficacy of
methyl anthranilate as a honey bee repellent during a massive defensive response by Africanized honey bees. An aerosolized
solution of 10%
methyl anthranilate reduced the number of defensive bee hits to a retreating victim by 95% compared with a water control. One hundred fifty milliliters of the 10%
methyl anthranilate solution sprayed onto stationary foam balls covered with black suede leather located 2 m from provoked Africanized colonies received 80% fewer
stings than targets treated with water.
Methyl anthranilate (100%) delivered through a UV blocking 3
mil polyethylene pouch was 100% effective in preventing Polistes colonization in wildlife observation huts and from the roof overhang of home patios. Although
methyl anthranilate was not 100% effective in preventing honey bee stinging, it seemed to reduce number of
stings below the average human LD50, indicative of a promising tool for preventing honey
bee venom toxicity and wasp colonization.