Chandler Fire Department Warns About Bees
"Bee" safe around bees - their stings can be dangerous and even life-threatening, the Chandler Fire Department warns. If you do run into a swarming hive, cover your face, run for shelter. Do not jump into a pool (some varieties wait for you to surface). Call 911 if someone is being attacked and do not swat at them.
What should I do if a bee stings me?
If a bee stings you or a family member, immediately contact Poison Control at 602-253-3334 to determine whether the sting can be managed at home or needs medical attention. Parents, take a moment to tell your children what to do if there are bees in the area.
Are bee attacks becoming more common?
Normally, people and bees can co-exist. However, with the migration of aggressive Africanized honey bees into the Valley in recent years, experts expect to see a rise in attacks. Attacks usually occur when bees are swarming or if they are protecting their hive. If someone tries to remove the bees or a hive, agitates the bees by swatting at them, or startles them with the noise from power equipment such as lawn mowers or blowers, a stinging emergency can happen.
How does the Chandler Fire Department respond to bees?
The Chandler Fire Department uses a Bee Emergency Response Team (BERT) to respond in bee attack situations. BERT-trained firefighters provide aid to victims, attempt to locate the source of the attack and reduce the threat of injury to residents. Team members will also instruct homeowners how to contact a Bee Removal expert.
What is a bee Swarm?
A Swarm is a small colony looking to establish a new colony. It may appear as a cloud of bees or a group formed like a ball clinging to a branch. Swarming usually occurs from February through May, and again in October. A Swarm can be as large as 60,000 or more bees. If you notice a Swarm that is not attacking, walk slowly and quietly away from it and find shelter in a building or vehicle.
