7 people treated after ‘bee swarm attack’ near south Austin park

by: Will DuPree, Kelsey Thompson

Posted: May 29, 2023 / 06:00 PM CDT

Updated: May 30, 2023 / 04:15 PM CDT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A swarm of bees reportedly attacked and hurt seven people near a south Austin park, according to local paramedics, but no one required a trip to the hospital.

Austin-Travis County EMS posted on Twitter Monday evening that this happened at 10001 Burleson Road, which is the address listed for Richard Moya Park south of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. According to a tweet, paramedics "evaluated & treated all patients, none required transport to the hospital."

A Travis County spokesperson told KXAN Travis County Parks has hired a professional to remove and relocate the hive from the park to another location.

Paramedics initially asked asking people to avoid the area, but they said they would be clearing the scene soon.

Firefighters from the Austin Fire Department also responded to this call.

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service stressed the importance of trying to outrun the swarm.

Juliana Rangel, an associate professor of apiculture at Texas A&M University said standing in place and trying to swat away the bees only allows more time for additional bees to buzz over, which could lead to even more stings. If possible, it's recommended to run toward an enclosed location, like a car or a building, where you can physically distance yourself from the swarm.

Despite initial inclinations you might have, do not try and hide in a body of water when escaping a bee swarm. Bees have been reported to hover above the surface poised to attack once the person or animal emerges, per Texas A&M Agrilife.

Once you’ve removed yourself from the swarm, it's critical to try and remove any stingers from your body as quickly as possible. When left in the skin, stingers can continue pumping venom.

You can either scrape stingers off with your fingernails or, using a knife blade, carefully scrape across your skin.

Beyond removing the stingers, it's also imperative you seek medical attention immediately. While a healthy adult can handle up to hundreds of bee stings from a severe swarm, anyone with bee venom allergies are extremely vulnerable to dangerous and possibly fatal side effects, especially if you begin experiencing hives, difficulty breathing and swelling around the throat and face.

For those with documented or possible allergies, Rangel recommended carrying allergy medication or EpiPens on hand during peak summer months as an added precaution.