Imperial County offers tips on safe bee removal

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - As temperatures rise across Imperial Valley, bee activity is picking up, bringing more swarms into the neighborhoods and back yards.

The Imperial County Public Health Department is offering tips and warnings to stay safe, including staying away from the swarms and calling a professional.

Public Health Vector Control Antonio Lachuga said the county has a dedicated bee hotline for calls relating to swarms.

"You need to keep a distance from where the bees are. Second one is do not try to spray, remove, or relocate them, the bees. The other one keep the children, dogs, pets away from the area. And the last one, contact a professional," Lachuga said.

Public Heath Department stressed that they do kill the bees, so if a resident is looking for humane removal, they can reach out to a local bee keeper.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, humane removal is especially important in agricultural areas like Imperial County, where bees play a critical role in pollinating crops.