Bee swarm stings multiple people, postpones ASU women’s lacrosse game

A swarm of bees disrupted a women’s lacrosse game at Arizona State University, stinging multiple people and forcing officials to postpone the matchup. Before a scheduled morning game, Arizona State’s women’s lacrosse account posted on social media that the game had been delayed “due to bees." Arizona State University staff responded to the swarm during the March 28 Sun Devil Lacrosse game, according to Jerry Gonzalez, assistant director of the university’s Office of Media Relations.

“Multiple individuals were stung and the game was postponed,” Gonzalez said in an email. Tempe Fire Medical Rescue provided treatment at the scene, Gonzalez said. The university cleared the area, notified campus and had the bees removed, Gonzalez said.

It was not immediately clear how many people were stung or what the condition of those injured was. Tempe police referred questions to the university. Tempe Fire Medical Rescue did not respond to requests for more information.

The game was rescheduled for the morning of March 29 and happened without incident. Tempe officials note recent bee encounters Earlier in March, the city of Tempe took to social media to warn residents about bee activity. In a March 7 post, the city said the fire department had responded to “a small number of bee-related emergency calls” and urged residents not to disturb hives and to contact licensed professionals for removing a hive.

Bees are typically not aggressive but can become defensive if their hive is disturbed, especially during yard work or landscaping, city officials said. Experts note there is a difference between a swarm and an established hive. Bee swarms are a natural process in which a large group of bees leaves an existing hive to start a new colony, according to Iowa State University.

Swarming bees typically fill up on honey before leaving, which reduces their likelihood of stinging, and they often cluster temporarily while scout bees search for a new nest site. Established hives, honeycomb and all, are where bees protect offspring and food stores and are more likely to become defensive if disturbed. Tempe urged residents to watch for bees flying in and out of roof tiles, vents, irrigation boxes or other small openings, which may point to a nearby hive or swarm.

Under Tempe city code, property owners are responsible for addressing health or safety hazards on their property, including unmanaged bee colonies, according to the city. Residents should not attempt to remove hives themselves and should instead contact a licensed bee removal professional, officials said. Anyone who is stung repeatedly or has trouble breathing should call 911.

If bees begin circling or bumping into someone, that can signal agitation. Experts advise moving slowly away from the area, avoiding sudden movements or swatting and seeking shelter indoors or in a vehicle if necessary. What to do if you encounter aggressive bees Authorities recommend the following tips if you encounter bees.

If bees begin circling or bumping into you, treat it as a warning and back away immediately.

Protect your face, especially your mouth and eyes, as you leave the area. Avoid wearing dark, loose clothing or shiny objects when outdoors, which can attract bees.

Skip perfumes, cologne and strong scents that may draw bees’ attention.

Do not make quick, unexpected movements near hives and do not swat at bees, which can trigger defensive behavior.

Anyone showing signs of anaphylaxis, including throat swelling or trouble breathing, should seek emergency medical care. Rey Covarrubias Jr. covers business and breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@azcentral.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ.