Five people were stung by bees at a residential property in The Reeds, Centurion, this morning (September 25), leaving an elderly man in need of hospital treatment. He was taken to a nearby healthcare facility in a serious but stable condition.

The incident is a reminder that disturbing a bee colony can trigger defensive behaviour, particularly when people or equipment come too close to a hive, reports Pretoria Rekord.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Centurion said its crews responded to the incident in The Reeds at about 09:50.

Three of the five people sustained multiple stings, with the elderly man requiring further medical treatment. He was transported to a nearby healthcare facility.

The other four people were assessed at the scene. Those who did not require further treatment chose to remain there.

CERT’s report did not state what caused the bees to become aggressive.

Why bees sting

Bees generally sting defensively when they perceive a threat to themselves or their colony. Disturbing a hive or working close to one can provoke defensive behaviour.

CERT warned that bee activity may increase as temperatures rise and advised people to take care around bees, particularly when mowing lawns, using brush cutters or operating other vibrating equipment near a colony.

Anyone who encounters agitated bees should move away quickly and seek shelter inside a building or vehicle. People should protect their faces and eyes while moving away and avoid swatting at the bees.

Anyone stung multiple times, or who develops difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or signs of collapse, should seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

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