|A tree right outside Highlands Middle School.|
Last month, Birkley captured a swarm on N. Fort Thomas Avenue that received over 40,000 views across multiple social media channel.
RELATED: Watch Birkley Services Catch a Huge Swarm of Bees on N. Fort Thomas
The spring is the most notorious time of year for hives to swarm. When bees swarm like this, approximately half the hive of worker bees, along with the queen, leave the hive and look for new housing. In the prime swarm, about 60% of the worker bees leave the original hive location with the old queen. This swarm can contain thousands to tens of thousands of bees.
If you see a swarm here are 10 things to know:
- If you come upon a hive or swarm of bees, get yourself and pets inside immediately.
- The use of weed eaters, hedge clippers, lawn mowers, and chain saws can agitate bees, especially when a hive or nest is disturbed.
- If you encounter bees out in the open, RUN as quickly as you can in a straight line away from them. - If possible, run through trees to disperse the swarm and seek shelter in a building or vehicle. Cover your face, without slowing your escape.
- The worst thing to do is to spray bees with water. It will only make them more agitated.
- Do not jump in a pool or other body of water, because the bees will hover for hours and wait for the person to surface.
- If you see someone being attacked and unable to run away, try to quickly cover exposed skin or susceptible areas of their body and then run to a safe location and get help.
- Wear light-colored clothing when outside. Bees tend to attack dark colors.
- Bees are sensitive to scents and odors. Avoid floral and citrus after-shaves and perfumes.
- If you are stung, use a blunt object to scrape any stingers out of your skin. Wash the affected area with soap and water to avoid infections. Use ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
- Carefully monitor yourself for any unusual reactions after any bee sting. Of course, if you are stung multiple times, or have a known allergy, contact medical personnel immediately.