SURPRISE, AZ — Multiple people were stung by bees in a Surprise neighborhood Monday evening, including children, firefighters, and one man who had to be hospitalized.
Around 6 p.m. Monday, Surprise Fire and Medical crews were called to a neighborhood near Greenway Road and Verde Vista Drive, west of Loop 303, for reports of an injured person. When they arrived, they found that a man had unknowingly come across a beehive while checking his mailbox.
The bees became aggressive and stung the man multiple times, and a group of children riding their bikes in the area were also repeatedly stung while attempting to help the man.
Firefighters reportedly ran to get the children, all said to be between 10 and 15 years old, and put them in the fire truck and away from the swarming bees.
Officials say only the man suffered a large number of stings and was taken to a hospital in stable condition. The man hospitalized is allergic to bees, according to firefighters, but he has since been released and is recovering at home.
Five kids were treated at the scene, were stung no more than twice, and did not need to be hospitalized.
Four firefighters were also stung during the incident, according to Surprise Fire officials.
A beekeeper was called to the area, which has since been reopened.
Urban Desert Pest Control provided the following tips when dealing with bees:
Why Do Bees Swarm?
• Swarms are usually bees looking for a new home
• Not Aggressive (Usually) since they have no hive to defend.
• A swarm can contain anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 bees!
• Bee swarms in Arizona, can happen year-round, but are most common in the spring.
Why Do Swarms Sometimes Attack?
• Killer Bee Factor – Many wild bee colonies in Arizona have Africanized genes, making them more aggressive.
• Sudden Movements – Swatting, running, or loud noises
• Strong Scents – Perfumes, colognes, and certain hair products can make bees more curious—or agitated.
How to Avoid Being Stung
• Stay Calm
• Walk Away Slowly
• Cover Up – Wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves;
• Skip the Scents – Avoid strong-smelling lotions, perfumes, or hair products.
• Secure Your Pets – Dogs and other animals may provoke bees by barking or chasing them.
• Call a Pro – If bees cluster on your property, don’t spray or disturb them—call a beekeeper or pest control expert.
What to Do if Attacked
• Run Indoors! – Get inside a car or building as fast as possible.
• Cover Your Face – Protect your eyes and mouth while
