March and April typically mark the beginning of swarming season for bees, a time when the bees will be moving from place to place. Warmer weather and increased outdoor activity leads to the increased possibility of bee encounters.
When swarming they get tired or it gets too hot for them to fly, so the bees will find a place to rest and get out of the sun.
Many times, they will hang from tree branches, street signs, fences, sides of buildings or on an object like a fire hydrant. They just want to be left alone and to rest. Since the swarm is not producing honey or caring for young bees, they will not sting unless provoked, and then usually only in extreme cases.
Beehives, especially those that are wild, are where the danger lies. Bees will build their hive (their home) in places where predators cannot get to them, such as inside sprinkler control boxes, street light poles, utility boxes in sidewalks, inside walls of buildings, inside concrete block walls and inside old hollow trees and desert plants.
When the bees begin to produce honey (their food supply) and lay eggs for new bees, they will defend their home.
When they believe that either their food supply is threatened or someone will kill their young, they will defend their home by stinging.
In many cases, this may lead to hundreds of stings. Bees do not attack and will only defend their home.
If you encounter a beehive, experts advise contacting The Nevada Pest Control Association. They keep a list of licensed removal services that is available at 702-385-5853. Residents should not try to exterminate the bees themselves.
More information about bees and safety tips can be found on the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Facebook Page or by calling 702-229-2000.
Police have said do not call 9-1-1 to report swarms of bees.
