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See also: [About Africanized Honey Bees]  Precautions and Prevention:AHB can sense a threat from people or animals 50 feet or more, and chemical or vibrations from heavy equipment 100 feet or more and may react defensively. If they feel threatened, they will respond quickly and in large numbers!AHB are cavity nesters preferring enclosed or protected spaces at or near ground level. The following are potential nest sites: water or gas meter boxes, block walls, abandoned tires, boxes, discarded appliances or furniture, sheds, structural walls, attics, sub-floor spaces, under trailers or low decks, inside rarely used chimneys or barbeques, and inside tree cavities and dense vegetation. Honey bees can fit through any opening that is 3/8th of an inch or larger. It is highly recommended that any opening larger than 1/4 inch be sealed with caulking, steel wool, fine mesh screening or sheeting products. Make weekly inspections of your property checking for bee activity, especially before starting any loud or vibrating lawn equipment and use care when opening sheds, or rarely used objects. If Bees are Found:NEVER attempt to remove honey bees yourself! Without proper training and equipment, serious stinging incidents can occur if nests are disturbed.
State law prohibits vector control agencies from removing bees from structures (walls, attics, water meter boxes, etc). If bees are found in or on a structure, consult your local yellow pages for a licensed bee keeper or private pest control company licensed for bee removal.
This information is provided as a service to residents in the San Gabriel Valley. This District is not associated with nor can recommend one company/service over another. Residents are urged to thoroughly research any business before agreeing to service. In emergency situations, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District may be able to assist in the removal of nests located in vegetation (trees, bushes) in a public place. Click here to be directed to the report a problem page. Swarms of bees in flight may be concerning, but are merely traveling through the area in search of a new nesting site. In the afternoons, swarms will stop flying and cluster on a building, fence, or vegetation in a typical 'football' or 'softball' shaped mass to rest. Swarms may stay for several days as scouts search the surrounding area for potential nest sites. If none are found, the bees will move on. Because swarms are quite docile if not disturbed, and often leave the area within 72 hours, the District does not control them.
If Stung:
Go quickly to a safe area. Pheromones (chemical attractants) released by a stinging bee will likely attract others. If many bees are present, and someone or an animal is being stung, IMMEDIATELY CALL 911. If bees are attacking - stay indoors. The bees may remain agitated in the area for hours.
Seek medical attention if stung multiple times, if a reaction other than localized swelling or redness occurs, or if allergic to bees. Antihistamines can be used to minimize the effects. If breathing difficulties are observed, IMMEDIATELY get to a hospital.
Persons with allergies to bee stings should obtain and carry an EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) at all times. Each successive bee sting reaction can become significantly more serious and more rapid.
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Remove the stinger(s) as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of venom entering your system. Wash the area with soapy water and apply an ice pack to the site.
