(March 25, 2010 – 11:35 a.m.) Recent bee attacks in Phoenix have caused concern and prompted questions about what to do in case of a bee attack, who to call, and how to avoid a dangerous bee swarm.

In general, it is dangerous to try and remove bees or a hive. People should also avoid provoking bees by squirting water or throwing objects at the hive.

Bee removal is usually done at the property owner’s expense by contracting with a bee removal company found in the telephone directory under “bee removal” or “pest control.”

Do not call 9-1-1 unless an actual emergency involving an attack by bees is occurring.

Bee Safety

• If bees are in the area, stay indoors.
• Close all windows and doors to avoid bees entering through them.
• Do not attempt to move bees. Don’t throw objects at the swarm or squirt with water.
• Typically swarms are transient and set up temporary shelter in a tree for a few hours or even days before moving on.
• Swarms that are close to child care centers, schools, or densely populated areas such as 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 if they are showing aggressive behavior.

Do’s and Don’ts

• DO check your property regularly for bee colonies. Honey bees nest in a wide variety of places, especially Africanized honey bees. Check animal burrows, water meter boxes, overturned flower pots, trees and shrubs.
• DO keep pets and children indoors when using weed eaters, hedge clippers, tractor power mowers, chain saws, etc. Attacks frequently occur when a person is mowing the lawn or pruning shrubs and inadvertently strikes a bee's nest.
• DO avoid excessive motion when near a colony. Bees are much more likely to respond to an object in motion than a stationary one.
• DON'T pen, tie or tether animals near bee hives or nests.
• DON'T destroy bee colonies or hive, especially with pesticides. Honey bee are a vital link to U.S. agriculture. Each year, pollination by honey bees add at least $10 billion to the value of more than 90 crops. They also produce about $150 million worth of honey each year.

What to do if you are attacked:

1. Run as quickly as you can away from the bees. Do not flail or swing your arms at them, as this may further annoy them.
2. Because bees target the head and eyes, cover your head as much as you can without slowing your escape.
3. Get to the shelter or closest house or car as quickly as possible. Don't worry if a few bees become trapped in your home. If several bees follow you into your car, drive about a quarter of a mile and let the bees out of the car.

Cities in the Valley have different procedures for responding to bee swarms and attacks. See the links below for more information specific to your community:

City of Avondale

City of Mesa

City of Phoenix

City of Chandler

City of Scottsdale

City of Tempe

City of Glendale 

City of Goodyear

City of Surprise

City of Tolleson

Town of Buckeye 

Maricopa County

(Sources: City of Mesa, City of Phoenix, Arizona Division of Emergency Management)