An encounter with a bee swarm can be frightening, requiring clear and rapid decision-making for safety. This article provides actionable steps for managing such an encounter, both during the immediate incident and in its aftermath. It also offers insights into bee behavior to help demystify these occurrences and provides guidance on preventing future incidents.
Immediate Actions During a Swarm Attack
When faced with a bee swarm, immediate action is crucial for safety. The most important step is to run away quickly and in a straight line. Bees can fly up to 20 miles per hour, but a person can outrun them. As you run, protect your head and face with your arms or clothing, as bees often target sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid swatting at the bees or making large, flailing movements. Such actions can agitate bees and cause them to release alarm pheromones, signaling danger to other bees and intensifying the attack. Seek immediate shelter inside a building or a vehicle, ensuring all doors and windows are securely closed. Do not jump into water, as bees will wait for you to resurface, continuing their attack. Bees can pursue a perceived threat for up to half a mile or more.
After the Immediate Encounter
Once you have escaped the swarm and are in a safe location, attending to any stings is the next step. Honeybees leave behind their barbed stinger, which continues to pump venom into the skin. Prompt removal of the stinger is important to limit the amount of venom injected. Scrape the stinger out using a fingernail, the edge of a credit card, or a similar blunt object, rather than pinching it with tweezers, which could squeeze more venom into the skin.
After removing any stingers, clean the affected area with soap and water to help remove residual venom and reduce the risk of infection. Apply ice or a cold pack to the sting site for 10 to 15 minutes to help reduce swelling and pain. Monitor for signs of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, which can develop rapidly, typically within 15 minutes to an hour after a sting. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Hives
- Flushed or pale skin
- Swelling of the throat, face, and lips
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Dizziness
- Rapid pulse
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
If any of these symptoms appear, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling emergency services.
Understanding Bee Swarms and Defensive Behavior
Bee swarms are a natural part of a honey bee colony’s reproduction, where a portion of the colony, including the old queen and many worker bees, leaves to establish a new home. During this swarming process, bees are generally docile because they have no hive or stored food to defend, focusing on finding a new nesting site. They typically cluster in a temporary location, such as a tree branch, while scout bees search for a permanent cavity.
In contrast, a bee attack occurs when bees perceive a threat to their established hive. Honeybees will defend their colony, and common triggers for defensive behavior include vibrations, loud noises, strong scents, or direct disturbance of the nest. When a bee stings, it releases alarm pheromones that can alert and incite other bees to join the defense. This defensive response is a protective mechanism for the colony against perceived predators.
Preventing Encounters and Professional Help
To minimize the likelihood of encountering aggressive bees, avoid strong scents like perfumes and bright colors, as these can sometimes attract bees. Be cautious in areas where bees are actively foraging or if you notice increased bee activity. If you encounter a few bees, making slow movements can help prevent alarming them.
If a bee swarm or an established hive settles in an undesirable location, contact a professional beekeeper or pest control service. Attempting to remove a hive or swarm yourself can be dangerous, as it increases the risk of stings and may provoke a defensive attack. Professionals possess the necessary equipment and expertise to safely and often humanely remove bees, ensuring the safety of both people and the bee colony.