What are some of the best sources of information about bees in Redondo Beach and Los Angeles County?

• Go to the following websites:

The Los Angeles County West Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Control District.
http://www.lawestvector.org
The County of Los Angeles Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures
http://www.acwm.lacounty.gov  

What should I do if I find a swarm or colony of bees on my property?

• Remain calm.
• Quietly retreat until the bees are out of sight.
• Avoid the area and keep children and pets away from the swarm or colony.
• Do not attempt to control the bees yourself.
• Call a professional bee keeper.
• Contract the Los Angeles County West Vector Control District for assistance or referral (310) 915-7370

What should I not do if I find a swarm or colony of bees on my property?

• Do not panic.
• Do not disturb or tease the bees.
• Do not try to remove the bees yourself.
• Do not shoot, spray water, throw rocks or other objects, or douse bee swarms/colonies with chemicals.
• Do not attempt to control bees with aerosol pesticides.

Will the Animal Services Unit recommend a bee removal service?

• No.  The City may not recommend or refer a service.
• However, the following businesses have submitted their names for consideration to the Animal Services Unit:
  
  South Bay Bee Removal
  (310) 378-4614
  
  Bee & Wasp Nest Removal
  (310)316-9961
  
  Vector Control (for additional possible vendors)
  1-(800)825-3400

What should I do if the bees attack me, pets or others and sting?

• If forced to run, protect your eyes and face from possible stings with your arms and hands.
• Take shelter in the nearest vehicle or shelter.
• Do not jump into water or thick brush to hide.
  • This will not provide adequate protection to you.
• Call 9-1-1 in this emergency if the bees are attacking pets or humans.

What should I do if I found a bee hive under the eaves of my house, in my attic, or attached to another structure?

• You will need to contact a bee keeper. 
• You can find a bee keeper by
  • Checking the phone book
  • Contacting the Vector Control District 
  • Searching the Internet

What should I do if there are bees swarming in a public place, such as a park, the beach or bus stop?

• Contact the Redondo Beach Police Communications Unit at (310) 379-5411. 
• An Animal Care and Control officer or members of the Fire Department will respond to evaluate the swarm and the need for emergency response personnel.

What precautions may I take to avoid being stung during the swarming seasons of spring and summer?

• Check the area around your home to confirm that there are not hives, colonies or swarms.
• Keep pets and children indoors when using loud power tools until you are certain that bees are not present in the area.
  • Attacks often occur when mowing the lawn or pruning shrubs and trees and stumbling upon bees.
• Keep animals away from areas where there are hives, colonies or swarms.
  • Keep your dogs under control when hiking in wilderness areas; they may run through the brush and disturb swarms or colonies.
• Listen for buzzing sounds indicating the presence of a large number of bees.
• Note if there are numerous bees flying back and forth in a straight line, usually to the colony.
• Develop a safety plan for your home and yard.

What should I do if I am stung by a bee?

• Quickly move to a safe area to avoid more stings.
• Single stings
  • Remove the stinger as quickly as possible to avoid the transfer of more venom.
  • Scrape or pull out the stinger out with a fingernail, credit card or similar object.
  • Wash the sting area with soap and water.
  • Apply an ice pack for a few minutes to relieve pain and swelling.
  • Contact professional medical care as necessary and if you experience difficulty breathing, changes in vision, extreme swelling or discomfort.
• Multiple stings
  • Seek immediate professional medical care.
  • Remove the stingers as soon as possible.
  • Count the number of stingers removed to advise the medical personnel about your self-treatment.
  • Be aware if you have breathing difficulty or if your vision is affected.

 


Last Updated 8-1-11