It should be assumed that all bees are Africanized Bees when encountering wild bees in Arizona. Early in the year, the largest swarms encountered are queens locating new nest sites. At this time, the swarms do not have brood to protect and are not generally aggressive. If you see a swarm around your home, it is highly likely that it will move on in a day or so without any intervention. If the swarm locates a suitable nesting site such as a hole in a block wall allowing the bees’ entrance to the wall void, they may move inside the wall. It is best to call Invader Pest Management to manage the bees at this point before they are established and have brood to protect. Make sure to fill in the hole —which allowed the bees to take up residence — once they have been removed.
If you encounter bees buzzing around your head, do the following:
- Stop.
- Place your hands over your face and look through your fingers.
- Look around for the hive.
- Walk briskly away from the hive.
Do not flap or swat at the bees, this is the worst thing you can do!!!
If you are stung or the bees bump you, do the following:
- Cover your head and face with clothing or your hands.
- Run to a building or if out in the open run until the bees have abandoned you.
Do not dive into a swimming pool; the bees will wait for you longer than you can hold your breath!!!
Prevention
- Discourage Africanized bees and wasps by eliminating favorable nest sites. Use an appropriate sealant to fill cracks and holes in walls and trees. Remove any trash or debris that might serve as a shelter, such as overturned clay pots. Ground-nesting insects can be discouraged by allowing the soil to dry out completely, and by mulching or planting a ground cover over large patches of bare ground.
- Apply paint or varnish to outdoor wooden structures.
- Consider the water sources in your yard and eliminate the unnecessary ones. Put screens over rainspouts and water meter boxes. A few ounces of pine scented cleaner can be placed into evaporative coolers to discourage insects, and for pet water and birdbaths two tablespoons of vinegar per gallon is somewhat effective.
- Avoid home entrance by placing insulation around doorframes and sealing window frames.
- Cover food when eating outdoors.
- Gather up rotting fruit dropped from trees.
- Seal garbage cans.
- Do not aggravate bees or wasps by swatting at them. They can react defensively.
- Attic vents should be screened.
Call Invader Pest Management at 623-435-0228 the next time you encounter a Swarm or Hive of Bees, Never attempt to “Do it yourself” not this time! Bees are dangerous and not only could you put yourself in jeopardy, but also your neighbors, their children and pets. Only Professionals should attempt to perform Bee Removals. For a Rapid Response or BEE Emergency Schedule an appointment on line at www.invader.net – we will be notified immediately and contact you soon.