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AUSTIN (KXAN) — With springtime underway in Central Texas, so, too is bee swarming season.
Honey bee swarming season typically happens from late March through June, but can also take place in other months, per Texas-based PCI Pest Control. Swarming typically happens as part of honey bees’ reproductive process, when bees create a new colony after overcrowding happens, PCI Pest Control experts said.
Are bee swarms dangerous?
Experts at PCI Pest Control said most honey bee swarms — which are the most common type of bee swarms in Texas — aren’t d angerous. However, people are cautioned to not provoke or disturb the swarms, with experts noting most swarm sites will clear up within a couple of hours or a few days.
PCI Pest Control said people should refrain from swatting at or hitting bees, since this can cause an attack. Instead, it’s best to leave the area and avoid any sudden movements, loud noises or any other behavior that could startle the bees.
How can you remove swarming bees?
When addressing swarms, PCI Pest Control said property owners should get in touch with local beekeepers or a pest control service provider to safely remove the swarm. While swarms typically aren’t dangerous, it’s not recommended that non-professionals try to remove them, since that could lead to injuries.
What should you do if you get caught in a bee swarm?
Experts at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension outlined measures people can take if they do find themselves near aggressive bees. Some steps to take in the event of a bee attack include:
- Running toward an enclosed location, like a car or building, to put distance between yourself and the bees. Don’t stand and attempt to swat the bees away.
- Don’t try and hide in a body of water. Despite some misnomers, Texas A&M AgriLife professionals previously told KXAN bees can hover above the surface to attack an animal or person once they emerge.
- Once you’ve put distance between yourself and the bees, check for and remove any stingers from your body immediately to minimize the amount of venom still pumping through your system.
- If attacked, seek medical attention — even after removing stingers from your body. Bee venom allergies can cause severe and possibly fatal side effects in people. It’s critical to watch for symptoms like hives, breathing difficulties and swelling near the throat or face.