Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - March and April typically mark the beginning of swarming season for bees, a time when the bees will be moving from place to place. Warmer weather and increased outdoor activity leads to the increased possibility of bee encounters.
Two people were stung several times Saturday afternoon by bees near their home near Decatur and the Northern Beltway. They were checked by paramedics on scene and did not appear to be seriously injured. They later decided to go by private automobile to the hospital to be checked out as a precaution.
Bee hives are dangerous and should be removed by a professional bee removal service. It should never be done by a civilian. The process requires the use of professional safety gear and clothing. It is the responsibility of the property owner where the bees are located to have them removed if needed. The city of Las Vegas does not remove bees on private property.
The Nevada Pest Control Association keeps a list of licensed removal services that is available at 702-385-5853. Residents should not try to exterminate the bees themselves. Most people do not have the necessary safety equipment to remove bees. Past attempts of people trying to exterminate bees themselves have led to serious injury and death in some cases in the United States. This is extremely dangerous and you are advised to leave this to a professional exterminator.
In case you have an encounter with bees, you should run from the bees as quickly as you can. Bees are slow flyers and cannot keep up. Try to cover your face with either your hands or a shirt while running (bees will attack the eyes-nose-mouth).
Seek shelter in a building or vehicle. Do not jump into a pool or lake, the bees will attack when you come up for air.
The bees will continue to be agitated after the attack by loud or humming noises such as barking dogs, lawnmowers, weed eaters, flashing lights, etc. Try to keep the area as quiet and calm as possible.
If it appears that a person is being attacked or other people are in imminent danger because of the attack, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.
If someone is stung by a bee and becomes dizzy, nauseated or has difficulty breathing, an allergic reaction to the sting might be occurring. This is a serious medical emergency and 9-1-1 should be called immediately.
If you are stung, remove the stinger by scraping it out and washing the area with soap and water and applying a cold pack to the sting site.
If you are stung more than 10 times, you should go a quick care center or contact your personal physician and be checked out. Reaction to bee venom takes several hours, which may cause you to feel sick later. People with an allergic reaction should call 9-1-1 and seek immediate medical attention.