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The above 'egroup' is an email type bulletin-board in which only members receive email from other members of Palominas yahoo Group. You use your existing address. I am also a member other egroups and this is a good way to exchange news and get questions answered or discussed. |
I have heard a large swarm of fairly fast moving insects around my home on many occasions and was only able to see it today. It is a large swarm, noisy and fast moving. I don't know if I should be concerned about African bees (95% of Arizona Honey bee population) or if there is a local insect that behaves this way. Does anyone know??? Thanks for your help..
Reply:
Reply:
This is the time of year that the new queen bees leave the hives and
start new hives. When they leave, they take a number of bees with
them. They fill up on honey before they set out to start a new
colony. Many drones (male bees) also go along for obvious reasons.
The traveling swarm of bees is actually quite harmless if left alone.
The swarm will often stop along their way to rest. They will form a
cluster in a tree or some other place. Unless a person is allergic to
bee stings, there is usually not much to worry about. Bees are
usually not very aggressive while they are swarming, but they can
still sting and will do so if disturbed.
The danger comes when they actually find their new home. Bees of all
types will defend their home. If they happen to choose your attic,
shed or any other enclosure that is near you, to build their home, you
can be in real danger. Africanized bees as well as other aggressive
varieties will attack anyone who they feel is a threat to their
colony. Even if you are not allergic to bee stings, an attack by an
entire colony of bees is life threatening.
If you are attacked, the best thing to do is to put as much distance
between you and the hive as quickly as possible. In other words RUN!
Get inside a house, car or other enclosure that the bees cannot get
into. If you have been attacked or see someone else being attacked,
call 9-1-1. The fire department will respond to protect you and
others in the area. The Palominas Fire Department is not in the
exterminating business, but we have trained personnel and equipment
that can protect you in an emergency situation.
If you find a swarm of bees that is not posing any problem. STAY AWAY
FROM IT. The chances are that they will be moving on in a few days.
If they do make a home in an area that you feel is too close. It is a
good idea to contact someone to exterminate them. It may be
expensive, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
We need bees to pollinate our gardens and fruit trees, but we do not
want anyone to be hurt or killed by them.
There are some things that can be done to minimize the threat. Block
unnecessary holes in walls. Screen necessary openings. Clear rubbish
and debris that bees might choose as a home.
In an emergency, GET AWAY AND CALL 9-1-1.
Tommy Stoner
Palominas Volunteer Fire Department
Assistant Chief