Most bees are beneficial to mankind. They p ollinate our crops and flowers. They produce honey and pollens. Beekeepers take their hives to farms and fields to cross-pollinate the plants. At times the swarms from the bees take up residence in our attics, walls and fireplace chimneys. You can actually put your ear up to the wall and hear the buzzing of the colony existence.

Bees can create a hive (sometimes as many as 50,000 bees) in a rafter, shed, tree, or bush. They have a caste system where the queen is surrounded and taken care of. Her whole existence in life is to produce eggs and offspring. Other individuals in the colony are protectors and other food gatherers. Normally, people are only stung from accidentally putting their finger, hand or body in the wrong place. Once a bee has stung you, it will die.

Do not take tweezers to remove the stinger. This will inject more toxins inside your body. Scrape the stinger with a knife or other thin sharp object away from the injection. Some people are highly allergic to bee stings; one should be monitored closely for signs of shock. Stings can be deadly to infants, the elderly, and persons allergic to bee venom.

The Africanized Honeybee (AHB) or better known as “Killer Bee” is being found all over in Southern California. They have been known to infiltrate beehives and take over. The colony is very sensitive to loud noises and intruders. They have been known to chase people over 100 yards from where they first encounter them.

They have killed people and animals with the hundred of stings from individuals in the colony. Bees are not to be treated by the homeowner. If the swarm is in a tree or other outside area, call the fire department, beekeeper or your county agriculture department. Your city may have installed a AHB hotline. Check before you need it. If the swarm is entering your attic, wall or any other part of your structure. Call a AHB CERTIFIED TECHNICAN or your local Pest Control Professional. One hundred bee stings simultaneously will normally kill a person.