Bee Exterminator Disturbs Swarm, Family Stung

Bee Exterminator Disturbs Swarm, Family Stung: MyFoxPHOENIX.com

MESA – Phoenix - Our unseasonably warm weather is
stirring up bees around the valley. We've had a couple bee attacks in the last
week. Bees swarmed the family of the bee exterminator during one attack this
weekend. He had taken them to an empty house in Mesa on one of his jobs – and
that turned out to be a big mistake. Now,
what’s left is the sticky aftermath of bees, honey, and lots of foam.

Mesa Fire crews were called to finish the job in the
home’s backyard -- a job that one bee exterminator started, but may have
underestimated. “The whole street was covered in bees everywhere,” says
neighbor Zach Duncan. Four people were stung when the bees swarmed, including
the exterminator’s wife and two young kids.

“There was just a black swarm around the girl and the
boy, the beekeeper was trying to pick them off the boy, they were all over the
place.” Bee Exterminator Rick Heicksen is critical of the bee exterminator who
tried to remove the hive yesterday.

“They were unprepared, they weren’t professional and they
brought family with them, which is all of the wrong things to do,” says
Heicksen, Triple A Africanized Bee Exterminator.

Heicksen says the hives are becoming more active because
of our warmer weather. He adds, there is a right way to exterminate the bees. “We calm the bees, we consolidate them, we
smoke the bees which has a calming effect, also puts a signal out to the queen
to bring her colony in to her to bundle up around her.”

If you see bees around your property, Heicksen says, call
a professional. “Don’t get curious. Don’t poke your nose under something. Don’t
pull any material up. Go in the house immediately.”

The mom was stung 70 times, the two kids about 50 times
each. They were treated at Banner Hospital in Mesa. If a swarm is after you,
run and get to safety inside a house or a car. Don't fall to the ground -- they
will continue attacking. You have to get away from the swarm.

Bees Buzzing You??SM "Bee"
diligent, and call us if you notice a bee swarm.
Contact the Stinging Insect Experts at
941-870-0606 or 1-800-343-5317 or submit a bee removal
inspection request here!
Bees Buzzing You?SM Call The
Stinging Insect ExpertsJonathan B. Simkins B.Sc, EntomologistAllFloridaBeeRemoval.com &
Insect IQ, Inc.Tampa/Plant City: 813-930-BUGSSt.
Pete/Clearwater:727-443-BUGSBradenton/Sarasota:
941-870-0606Lakeland/Lake Wales: 863-248-1140State Wide: 800.343.5317