Although the bees made the news again this week, it may be more because of who they swarmed and not their relevance to the environment. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his teammates found ways to deal with the bee swarm that buzzed across the field. Although swarming bees are not always newsworthy, this week, it certainly was. Fans continue to joke that Mahomes is a master at avoiding defenses, and the latest opponent was a swarm of busy bees. The Kansas City training camp was in the path of a swarm of bees, and players and coaches all did what they could to avoid being stung.
Swarming Bees Are Not Typically Aggressive
As we know, bees are not typically aggressive during swarming. Swarming is due to the growth of a hive, and the queen and her scouts are looking for a new place to call home. Even knowing that bees are not aggressive when not protecting a hive or a queen, it is still unnerving to experience a swarm so close. Some teammates appeared to box at the bees, while others, like Mahomes, evaded the swarm by dodging and weaving out of their way. The video has since gone viral because Mahomes looked as if he were avoiding a defensive player with his finesse and grace on the field.
Mahomes shared on social media that he would much rather face an opposing defensive player than a swarm of bees. It is safe to say the bees did not intentionally choose that field, but the area was merely in their path to a new location. Coming face to face with a swarm of bees can be scary, but the best thing to do is try to stay out of the way as much as possible. Bees are not protecting their queen and have yet to establish a new hive, so the chances of being stung are low. However, if you decide to agitate the bees, they may fight back.
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What To Do When Bees Chase You
It may seem obvious, but when bees are chasing you, it is likely because you have threatened their queen and hive, whether or not you intended to. If you disrupt a swarm, they might get agitated, but stinging is commonly preserved for protection, not because you make a bee grumpy.
However, if you unknowingly or intentionally mess with an active hive, you are in for some stinging. The best thing to do is run away as quickly as possible. Interestingly, many people cover their faces in fear of being stung on their faces. However, you can't see where you are going when you cover up your face. Try to protect your head and face without covering your eyes. Keep your eyes open and move away from the hive area as quickly as possible. Bees from a hive will use their uncanny sense of smell to find the alarm pheromone emitted by bees' stingers. So, if you have been stung, other bees will be looking for you because they are protecting their livelihood, so keep going until you are out of range.
Our neighborhood tree trimmer was recently asked to help get a hive out of the local and historic cemetery. Of course, he obliged, with the help of a few others brave enough to accept the challenge. They did not have the experience, tools, or knowledge to attempt this, and they all suffered for it. The beehive was giant and attached to a tree. Once they began to wrestle with the tree, the hive attacked. Every person involved suffered multiple stings, was down for several days, and some teetered on hospitalization.
Let me be clear – the ONLY way a hive should be removed is by professionals with the expertise, training, and tools to do the job correctly and safely!
Even if you are not allergic to bee stings, multiple are putting more toxins in your body than one can handle. Although over-the-counter antihistamines may provide some relief, avoiding being stung by attacking bees is always a better option.
Going Underwater Has Not Proven Beneficial
Although bees seem confused when the person they are chasing goes underwater in cartoons and movies, that is not the reality. The reality is that bees have been known to hover above bodies of water and sting people as they come up for air. The better thing to do is try to get indoors or in a car where you can close off the rest of the bees. As soon as you can separate yourself from the bees, the better.
If you encounter a swarm or a hive on your property that you are concerned about, please never attempt to remove the hive on your own. Excellent professional bee removal companies can safely and completely remove a live hive. If you live in Southern California, D-Tek Live Bee Removal is the highest-rated bee removal company and can often come out within 24 hours. Contact us today at 760-224-3040 for a free inspection and quote!