As the seasons change and the weather warms up, it is common for the community to see an increase in bee activity. In most instances the bees are harmless if left alone but to increase your awareness and safety the Maricopa Fire Departmet offers the following safety tips:
Bee Safety:
If bees are in the area:
Stay indoors.
Close all windows and doors.
Do not attempt to move bees (don't throw objects at the swarm or squirt with water).
Typically swarms are transient -- they may set up temporary shelter in a tree for a few hours or even days before moving on.
Swarms that are close to daycare centers, schools, or densely populated areas (large apartment complexes or trailer parks) may need to be removed if they do not leave the area in a reasonable amount of time or are showing aggressive behavior.
If a beekeeper or exterminator is contacted for bees on a private residence or business, the owner/occupant assumes financial responsibility for said services.
The Maricopa Fire Department does not typically eradicate bee swarms unless special circumstances are present (such as aggressive, attacking bees that cannot be isolated from the public by reasonable means).
Killing non-Africanized swarms only strengthens the Africanized population. Non-aggressive bees are essential in nature.
In case a life threating emergency call 9-1-1.
For more information or for any question please contact MFD PIO Brad Pitassi at 480-282-2520 or at [email protected]
