It’s getting close to spring when the wildflowers start blooming. That also means that bees will be out, too. For the most part, bees are harmless and extremely beneficial to our local environment and economy.  They help pollinate most of the flowers, fruits, trees, crops, and plants that we see and eat.   They do so much hard work and they just want to be left alone.  However, when provoked, they will defend themselves and attack whoever is in the way. It is in your best interest to leave all bees alone.

Bee Season Is Upon Us

Bees can be everywhere, and we sometimes encounter them at inopportune moments.  If that is the case, be sure to back away slowly. Avoid any loud noises or excessive breathing as both can agitate bees.  They only want to protect their hard work, and sometimes that means stinging uninvited guests.

We should all strive to keep as many bees alive for as long as possible. In the past few years there has been a large decrease in the number of bees. Experts conclude that rapid extermination of a local bee population will affect the local economy in as little as 2 years and a world-wide extermination (or colony collapse) of bees (from pesticides and other human interventions) could lead to a world-wide economic disaster in as little as 5 years.

No bees= no pollination= no plants= no food for animals= no food for humans to consume.

 If a beehive is threatening  to you or your family, run at least 150 feet away and call 9-1-1 right away. Though rarely, bee stings can be life threatening. If it is not a life-threatening situation, try contacting a bee removal specialist.  When reporting bees to a removal specialist, it helps to know the difference between a swarm and a hive. A swarm is usually a tight cluster of bees hanging from a tree or spread on a flat surface. Usually, they have only been there a short while and will be easily moved by a professional. A hive of bees is more of a structure with a honeycomb that has been inhabited for a long time. The removal specialist will safely relocate the hive or swarm to another location away from people.  This in turn will help keep the flora and fauna happy and healthy.

What Will The Fire Department Do?

Many, many, many people call the fire department at the first sight of bees.  Unfortunately, it is just a waste of fuel and takes time away from a potential emergency elsewhere. Most fire departments WILL NOT destroy bee formations unless there is an immediate life threat.  In fact, we rarely destroy them even when we try.  What ends up happening is that we take a small and relatively controlled amount of bees and we supercharge them with anger when we try to kill them. Firefighters use a special foam, but usually this only kills about 20% of the bees. The rest are scattered around a large area and want to make everyone in their path pay for the destruction of their home and their honey. Again, we only use this as a last resort when humans are being attacked. So take a minute and call a bee removal specialist to relocate the bees.  We all win in the end.

Be sure to reach out to Home Hazard Prevention with any safety questions or concerns that you may have.  As your local Fire and Life Safety Experts, we are honored and privileged to serve you and your family.

Be sure to contact Home Hazard Prevention for any of your family or business safety needs. From mobile CPR training to car seat education to infant safety (and much more!) HHP is here to help! Remember, a complete safety program does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. There is no one more qualified than a group of professional firefighters to keep your family safe! (480) 448-0266 or Nick@HomeHazardPrevention.com

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