Stay safe from bees
WESTCLIFF – Following the attack of a swarm of bees by the Westcliff Stairs, a Rivonia bee expert has given professional advice on what to do in the event of an attack.
Kai Hichert from Rivonia said African bees were the most aggressive of bee species in the world.
Hichert is a commercial beekeeper and chairperson of the Southerns Beekeeping Association and board member of the South African Bee Industry Organisation.
He urged the community not to harm bees and explained they were naturally defensive if they perceived a threat to their hive. “They will defend their queen, and their honey,” he said.
He added the worst thing a person could do when attacked by a bee was to try and swat the bees away. “What happens is that one bee will sting and the others will smell the venom, and come to attack at the same spot.”
He explained that the best thing to do when attacked by a swarm of bees was to run. “There is the expression, ‘If you see a beekeeper running, follow him’. Don’t hang around and don’t jump in the pool. The bees will wait for you by the surface of the water.” He said it was an old wives’ tale that you should jump into a pool when attacked.
“Rather run and get into a sheltered, closed space and shut the door or windows. If some bees follow you in, then take the stings, but at least you will be safe from the greater swarm.”
Residents who notice bees swarming on their property should ask a bee removal specialist for assistance.
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