ANTI-TERRORIST BEES

Honey bees are able to detect the scent of explosives

The Beekeepers panel held within the scope of Kielce's Hort-Technika offers experienced beekeepers the opportunity to talk about bees' most reliable sense of smell. This phenomenon has been brought forward in the context of the global anti-terrorism combat. Trained bees can signal the presence of explosives and prevent attacks. Only three days are enough to teach bees how to recognise a new fragrance...

According to PAP: "Italian experts in cooperation with the security forces are ready to train a "honeybee army" - said Marino Quaranta, the scientist from Florence. He also reminded that the ministry of agriculture has already funded a similar project on bees' outstanding capabilities carried out by researchers some years ago.

As explained by the Florentine explorer, honeybees are most suitable to sniff explosives.  They can be used in reconnaissance missions at airports, ports, minefields and possible terrorism targets Their work would be similar to the duties performed by dogs. In the case of bees, however, the training cost to train them to distinguish smells of explosives from other materials are substantially lower. He also stresses that it also takes less time. 

The training method is simple - assured Marino Quaranta - the crucial role is played by the insects' proboscis. These need to be observed.  Bees can be taught to straighten proboscis only in response to the odours of explosives. This should raise the alarm.  The only difficulty is bees' short life cycle and the permanent need of replacement. "