Did you know that honeybees are being trained to sniff bombs?

Whoever thought up this 'brilliant' idea. So how do they know if the bees have found a bomb or not is one of the questions? Also what about people who are allergic to bee stings, because if the bees are in the airports then sooner or later someone is bound to get stung. Yes, they are definately too dangerous to be used in terminals where people are, but if they are in a contained area like where the luggage or parcels comes in, then okay. However, that would defeat the purpose of having them because I would assume that bombs are placed where they can do maximum damage, i.e. where there are people.

I'd never heard of this. Strange what they can do these days. I guess the question would be one of which are we more afraid of -- the bees or the bombs. Neither is a very good choice. We used to have a neighbor who kept bees. We couldn't go outside without being bombarded by bees, and both my husband and stepson were stung. Since I had little children, I did some research into bees by contacting our extension office, and they told me that bees could swarm within a 5 mile radius of their hive. I called my city councilman who came out and looked the situation over. Eventually our neighbor had to move his hives to a place out in the country where they wouldn't be a hazard to anyone. I guess it would depend on how many bees they had and how they were handling the operation, but I still don't know if I like it. A lot of people are allergic to bee stings, too.

It's remarkable what sciencests can do when they put their minds to it is it. I also read on that site about wasps fighting terrists. God sure created some remarkable creatures. I never would have thought that an insect could be trained. unbelievable

I seen something about it yesterday on the news...interesting!!

well i have never heard of such a thing.. is that possible???? even if possible first they have to be trained properly else they may be a problem rather than being bomb-sniffers

There are 12 types of bees, and some bees are more 'dangerous' or more likely to sting than others. Africanized Honey Bees are a definite risk for indoor use. The military is unlikely to use this type of bee for this purpose as the bomb hunting men are going to be in very close contact with these animals. Another problem with this type is they like to escape or swarm, seeking out new homes or hives. Buckfast Honey Bees are so gentle you can handle them and their hives gently with little to no risk of getting stung. That means bystanders who are kept well away from the dangerous bomb are at scarce to no risk from this bee. Unless you sit on one. The military will get the right bee with the right 'stuff'. Other races of bees are: * 1 Africanized Honey Bee * 2 Buckfast Honey Bee * 3 Carniolan Honey Bee * 4 Caucasian Honey Bee * 5 Cordovan Honey Bee * 6 Feral Honey Bee * 7 German Black Honey Bee * 8 Italian Honey Bee * 9 Midnight Honey Bee * 10 Russian Honey Bee * 11 Starline Honey Bee * 12 Yugo Honey Bee

I have never heard of this before. What would happen if someone who was allergic to Bees got too close and was stung? This then could be dangerous, and I would think for safety reasons overall, would not be advised?

This is my first time hearing this.I tell ya,learn something new here at mylot all the time.

This is my first time to hear that honeybees could be trained to sniff bombs. Here in the Philippines, they are cultured to produce honey for various purposes. They do not bite unless troubled. They are raised in farms. But to be used indoors such as an airport where many people are, I don't think it's practical. Even if they may be trained, I'm sure it would be expensive. Sniffing dogs are even expensive to maintain. Why not train people, inculcate in them the love for country and fellowmen, and give them employment?

Blimey! I can't imagne how thta one would work. I wonder if this is some kind of hoax. All I can say is I'll be not getting a plane if that happens! The little blighters make me have panic attacks if in a confined space.