Maricopa, ARIZ.(March 31, 2015) As the temperature starts to rise, so does the number of bee encounters we will have around the valley. This time of year bees become more active as they pollinate new agriculture growth, produce honey, and grow their hive. These are all good things, but occasionally the bees will move in a little too close to our homes. Bees like places that give them protection such as valve boxes and under eaves.
Here are a few things to know about bees. A “hive” is a colony of bees actively producing honeycomb. These bees will protect the hive if they are disturbed. A hive will split and send out a “swarm” for several reasons, one being when the bees are too big for the hive location. This swarm is a big ball of bees that you would find on something like a tree branch, while they are looking for a place to start a hive. Swarms look very intimidating but generally they are not aggressive due to the fact that they are not yet protecting a hive. Bees that are pollinating flowers, etc. are not aggressive either.
This season, we already have had several calls in the community due to bees. The City of Maricopa Fire Department is ready and equipped to perform a rescue and give emergency treatment due to a bee attack. The only reason that we would “foam the bees” is for rescue purposes. Any other situation such as having bees in a tree or a valve box is not considered a bee emergency, and may not require actions of the fire dept. We recommend keeping everybody away from the problem area and calling a professional bee control company to deal with the bees.
The Maricopa Fire Department encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors this time of year. Bees can be encountered on a hike, or in the city. Be aware of your surroundings and use this information to keep you and your family safe.
Chip Wright
Captain
Public Information Officer
City of Maricopa Fire Department
