Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Swarms of bees reported in Las Vegas

Bee attack

Richard Brian

A beekeeper evaluates a site near Spencer Street and Eldorado Lane after a colony of Africanized bees was disturbed March 21, 2009.

Click to enlarge photo

A swarm of bees is shown in this photo provided by Las Vegas Fire & Rescue.

Swarms of bees were reported in Las Vegas over the weekend, and Las Vegas Fire & Rescue officials are offering tips about how to handle potential encounters as the swarming season gets underway.

Swarming season, which begins in March or April, is when bees move from place to place, officials said.

During the process, they may rest or try to get out of the sun by hanging from branches, street signs, fences, sides of buildings and fire hydrants. Swarming bees generally aren’t caring for their young or producing honey, so they aren’t seen as harmful and are usually not exterminated, officials said.

If they hang around for more than three days, property owners may consider having them removed by a professional.

When bees are in a hive producing honey and laying eggs, they will sting if they feel threatened, officials said.

They build hives in areas away from predators like sprinkler control boxes, street light poles and in walls, the department said.

Bees can be agitated by loud noises and vibrations, and its best to leave them alone.

Hives should be removed by professionals, and though the city doesn’t remove hives on private property, homeowners can find a list of licensed removers by calling the Nevada Pest Control Association at 702-385-5853.

If a person has an encounter with bees, it’s best to run quickly while covering the face to protect the eyes, nose and mouth, officials said.

Take shelter in a building or vehicle, and don’t try to avoid the bees by jumping into water — they will wait, officials said.

Anyone who is stung more than 10 times should see a doctor. If a person has an allergic reaction to a bee sting — symptoms can include nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath — call 911, officials said.

The stinger can be removed by scraping it and then washing the area with soap and water; a cold pack should be applied at the site of the stinger, the department said.

Las Vegas Fire & Rescue also advises residents not to dial 911 to report bee swarms unless it appears someone is in danger.

Visit lvalert.com or call the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Bee Information Hotline at 702-229-2000 for more information on bees.

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