MFD shares the ABCs of bees

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. To increase your awareness and safety the Maricopa Fire Department offers a few facts and tips:

• When bees are present, stay indoors and 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 close to daycare centers, schools or densely populated areas (large apartment complexes or trailer parks) may need to be removed by a professional beekeeper if they do not leave the area in a reasonable amount of time or are showing aggressive behavior.
• Property owners are responsible for arranging beekeeper or exterminator services.
• Your fire department is unable to eradicate bee swarms or remove bee hives and does not typically respond to swarms of bees unless special circumstances are present (e.g. aggressive, attacking bees).
• Killing non-Africanized swarms only strengthens the Africanized population. Non-aggressive bees are essential in nature.
• In case of a life-threatening emergency call 9-1-1.