As temperatures rise in the Valley, bees become more active. Most bees are not aggressive and play an important role in our environment, but they can become defensive if their hive is disturbed.

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe.

• Stay calm and move away slowly. Avoid swatting or making sudden movements.
• Leave the area quickly if bees begin to swarm. Cover your face if possible and move to a building or vehicle.
• Avoid areas where bees are gathering. If you see many bees flying in and out of the same spot, there may be a hive nearby.
• Keep children and pets away.

Bees sometimes build hives in quiet, protected spaces.

Watch for:

• Bees frequently flying in and out of a small opening
• Bees gathering near roof eaves, walls, irrigation boxes or utility boxes
• Bees entering tree cavities or dense bushes
• A cluster of bees hanging from a tree branch or structure

• Keep a safe distance.
• Do not try to spray or remove the hive yourself.
• Call a licensed bee removal professional for safe removal.

If someone is attacked or stung multiple times

Call 911 immediately.