Bee attack leaves 10 people injured, 5 dogs dead

POLOKWANE – Residents and their pets in the central part of the city were attacked by a swarm of bees and another of wasps in Rissik Street on Sunday.

Five dogs died as a result while several dogs and cats had to be treated for numerous stings.

Nico van Jaarsveld, one of around 10 people who sustained severe stings all over his body and face spoke to Review about the incident.

“I was watching a movie with my children when I heard a strange sound at the back door.

“My dogs were barking and then they started whining. I went out just in time to see a black cloud of bees and wasps rise over the fence towards me.

“I slammed the door shut quickly, but not before some of them stung me,” Van Jaarsveld told Review.

He said he shouted at his two daughters to run into the shower and run the water to protect themselves.

He had some insecticide close at hand and was able to kill some of the insects as they continued to enter the house through any opening they could, thereby saving himself and his daughters.

“I was able to keep us safe but our two family pets, a Jack Russell terrier and a collie, died in the attack.”

Neels Heenop, a local bee specialist, said it seems the two swarms were battling each other.

He said this could be because their nests were disturbed or one or both of the swarms’ queens were killed.

Heenop shared some advice on what to do when faced by such an attack:

• Run into a building that can be securely shut.

• If you encounter bees or wasps and are a long way from shelter, try to run through shrubs or brush to distract them.

• Protect your face as you run. Pull your shirt over your face or your arms but do not let this slow your running.

• Do not be fooled into seeking escape in water. The bees or wasps will gather around you until you come up for air, and then sting you.

• Once you have escaped the swarm, remove any stingers from your skin as soon as possible and seek medical attention, especially if you develop hives, swelling around the throat or face, or have difficulty breathing.

Heenop said while an average healthy adult may be able to withstand hundreds of bee stings, a single sting could be deadly for anyone who is allergic to bee or wasp stings.