Bees have this week terrorized passersby and business owners along Gilanis Avenue in Nakuru, forcing them to seek alternative routes, use smoke to deter the bees, and even temporarily close their shops.

The bees are alleged to have pitched tent in the chimney of former Chicken Baristo restaurant.

When disturbed, they retaliated by attacking people. One man was injured to the extent that he required hospitalization while others escaped with minor bee sting injuries.

Joel Masobo, a Bee Researcher at Egerton University, notes the significant danger posed by aggressive bees settling in a public or private amenity when disturbed.

Some of the businesses were forced to close along Gilanis avenue in Nakuru city when bees attacked pedestrians.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

According to the expert, bee stings can potentially cause severe allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening.

So, what do you do in case of a bee attack?

One needs to move to safety- should you have a business you need to close it down, and then call the relevant authorities to remove the bees.

It is recommended that if the bees need to be removed, it should be done by the relevant authorities, such as the County department of Agriculture or Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock production, who have the expertise to handle the situation.

Watch: Panic as bees attack man along Gilanis street in Nakuru

Residents should avoid attempting to manage the bees themselves. Stints like lighting a fire as an immediate response could irritate the bees and make them more aggressive, as they could mistake it for a sign of an impending fire.

Additionally, county enforcement officers should not undertake this task, as improper removal could lead to further harm.

If a person is stung by bees, it is important to assess the situation to determine if the bees are still stinging aggressively. If so, move the victim away from the area and immediately seek medical attention.

If far from a medical facility immediate first aid can be administered by finding someone capable of safely removing bee stings. The stings will continue injecting venom into the body as long as they remain embedded.

However, it's crucial to remove them carefully, so as not to squeeze the venom sacs, as this could exacerbate the effects of the venom.

Instead, gently scrape or scratch them off to reduce the amount of poison injected into the body.

Additionally, it's advisable to apply a scented oil, soap, or perfume to your body to mask the alarm pheromone present in the sting, which helps prevent other bees from stinging you.

If near a shop, toothpaste is preferred due to its fluorine content, which can also be used to counter the effects of bee venom.

Regardless of the first aid administered, seeking medical attention is essential.

New business to occupy former Chicken Baristo CBD branch

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Muthoni Wanjiku