A bee swarm should be avoided and any bee pest control problem handled by a professional.

DO NOT attempt to eradicate swarming bees, unless you have the complete range of protective equipment and professional knowledge essential in the circumstances.

A professional pest control service for bees can eradicate a swarming hive of bees, using the safer more effective synthetic pyrethroid insecticides.

Additional work may be required to eliminate the honey and honey combs that may be present and attract other pests once the bees are removed or eliminated.

Bee stings can produce different reactions • ranging from temporary pain and discomfort to a severe allergic reaction • having one type of reaction doesn't mean you'll always have the same reaction every time you're stung.

Minor reaction • most of the time, signs and symptoms of a bee sting are minor and include • instant, sharp burning pain at the sting site • a red welt at the sting area • a small, white spot where the stinger punctured the skin • slight swelling around sting area

Please note • in most people, swelling and pain go away within a few hours.

Large local reaction • About 10% of people who get stung by a bee or other insect have a bit stronger reaction (large local reaction), with symptoms such as • extreme redness • swelling at the site of the sting that gradually enlarges over the next day or two

Large local reactions tend to resolve over 5 to 10 days • having a large local reaction doesn't mean you'll have a severe allergic reaction the next time you're stung • but some people develop similar large local reactions each time they're stung • if this happens to you, talk to your doctor about treatment and prevention.

Severe allergic reaction ie anaphylaxis • a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to bee stings is potentially life-threatening and requires emergency treatment • about 3 percent of people who are stung by a bee or other insect quickly develop anaphylaxis.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include • skin reactions in parts of the body other than the sting area, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin whic is almost always present with anaphylaxis • difficulty breathing • swelling of the throat and tongue • a weak and rapid pulse • nausea, vomiting or diarrhea • dizziness or fainting • loss of consciousness

People who have a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting have a 30 to 60 percent chance of anaphylaxis the next time they're stung • talk to your doctor or an allergy specialist about prevention measures such as immunotherapy to avoid a similar reaction in case you get stung again.

Multiple bee stings • generally, insects such as bees and wasps aren't aggressive and only sting in self-defense • in most cases, this results in one or perhaps a few stings • however, in some cases a person will disrupt a hive or swarm of bees and get stung multiple times • some types of bees eg Africanized honeybees, are more likely than are other bees to swarm, stinging in a group.

If you get stung more than a dozen times • the accumulation of venom may induce a toxic reaction and make you feel quite sick • signs and symptoms include nausea • vomiting • diarrhea • headache • vertigo • feeling faint or fainting • ccnvulsions • fever

Multiple stings

When to see a doctor • in most cases, bee stings don't require a visit to your doctor • in more severe cases seek medical attention immediately.

Call 911 or other emergency services if you're having a serious reaction to a bee sting that suggests anaphylaxis, even if it's just one or two signs or symptoms • if you were prescribed an emergency epinephrine autoinjector EpiPen or Twinject, use it right away as your doctor directed.

Seek prompt medical care if you've been swarmed by bees and have multiple stings.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if Bee sting signs or symptoms don't go away within a few days or if you've had other symptoms of an allergic response to a bee sting