There are few things more frightening than being near a swarm of flying insects. Whether bees, yellow jackets, or even mosquitoes, no one wants to get caught up in a swarm. It’s one thing to come across one bee, or one mosquito – it’s annoying, but not life threatening. What do you do though, when it’s hundreds or thousands of bees or mosquitoes? This can be an extremely dangerous situation that can cause illness, allergic reactions, and even death. Swarms of insects are not something to be messed with, and often they require a pest control professional to remove or relocate them.

Why Do Insects Swarm and Attack?

Insects swarm and attack for a variety of reasons including the following:

• Their nest is disturbed.

Nearly all stinging insects will swarm and attack when their nest is disturbed. It is important to stay away from bee and wasp hives, and to call a professional to exterminate or move them.

• To form a new nest.

Part of the reproductive process of bees is to break off from an old hive when it becomes crowded. About 60% of a hive’s bees will follow a new queen bee to a new location, leaving the old queen behind.

• To protect their queen.

Bees will do anything to protect their queen including attacking and dying.

• There is safety in numbers.

It is much easier for individual insects to be preyed upon or killed than a whole swarm. Therefore, insects will travel in swarms to protect the group as a whole.
Changes in weather. Insects will move if the climate becomes undesirable. If it is too cold, there may be a scarcity of food options so the insects are forced to migrate to a new home.

What Do You Do If You Come Across a Swarm of Insects?

If the worst happens and you come across a swarm of insects, specifically bees because they can be the most dangerous, there are some things you can do to get to safety. The first thing is to run, don’t freeze. Most likely, you can outrun the swarm. While you are running, protect your face if you can, and do not swat or flail, as that will cause the bees to sting. If you can get to shelter, do so. You should be able to shut out most of the bees. Whatever you do, do not jump into a pool or other body of water; the bees will be waiting for you when you come up for air. Once you get to safety, assess your condition, remove any stingers from your skin and seek medical attention.

Of course, it’s best to prevent any attack from happening, so if you run across a bee or wasp nest, do not try to get rid of it yourself, you need a professional. Contact Preventive Pest Control for help and don’t harm the bees.