Man dead in bee attack in Far East Mesa

[elcajones]

Rest in peace. That being said Usery mountain park is so not even Mesa, that it's not even funny. We all know that east of Gilbert Rd. is west AJ or north Gilbert.

[FirebirdCamaro1220]

Originally Posted by elcajones

Rest in peace. That being said Usery mountain park is so not even Mesa, that it's not even funny. We all know that east of Gilbert Rd. is west AJ or north Gilbert.

It is also north of the Salt River, and Mesa stops at the river bank

[azriverfan.]

What is ironic is you are much more likely to die from snake bite than ever be stung a 1000 times by killer bees, yet people in AZ are not afraid of diamondbacks and other poisonous snakes. It never deters them. You can be as careful as you wish but it's very easy to step on a snake and be bitten while hiking. It amazes me the same hiker that treats poisonous snakes as if they are an afterthought will now avoid hiking due to killer bees.

To answer the question as to possible solutions. One idea is to carry an Epipen-2pack while hiking. If you see killer bees, pull out the Epipen and inject it immediately. Epipens are easy to use and are autoinjectors. It takes 10 seconds to administer it. Even if you are not allergic to bees, epinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor and could counteract the effects of the venom to keep you alive long enough for EMS. Of course, I'm not recommending this and it's just a theory.

[elcajones]

well riverfan...edit that one buddy...

[cherrylimeade]

Originally Posted by petlover8

I think if there were ANY sprays or insect foggers available that could or would deter this, you would see them advertised and talked about everywhere. There is no such thing. Which is why this has become the dangerous, sometimes fatal problem that it has.

I'll report back if I ever use my BeeAlert spray. Hoping I won't ever have the need to use it. A few details:
BeeAlert:A solution for attacks by Africanized bees Africanizadas

[cherrylimeade]

Originally Posted by azriverfan.

One idea is to carry an Epipen-2pack while hiking. If you see killer bees, pull out the Epipen and inject it immediately. Epipens are easy to use and are autoinjectors. It takes 10 seconds to administer it. Even if you are not allergic to bees, epinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor and could counteract the effects of the venom to keep you alive long enough for EMS. Of course, I'm not recommending this and it's just a theory.

I've wondered about this too, but when I looked into it, apparently they're hard to get (prescription-only) and very expensive if you don't have insurance that will cover the expense; plus some people can have a reaction to them.

From what I've been reading, it sounds like if you see or hear a swarm of bees, the best course of action is to turn around and walk away quietly and as calmly as possible, and if they start stinging, run like hell. Get to a building or car if possible. I've read that if you go underwater (not a likely escape strategy in most AZ parks, I reckon) they'll wait for you to surface. I've also read not to just lie down and play dead, but I can't find the reference to cite on that.

[petlover8]

Originally Posted by cherrylimeade

I've wondered about this too, but when I looked into it, apparently they're hard to get (prescription-only) and very expensive if you don't have insurance that will cover the expense; plus some people can have a reaction to them.

From what I've been reading, it sounds like if you see or hear a swarm of bees, the best course of action is to turn around and walk away quietly and as calmly as possible, and if they start stinging, run like hell. Get to a building or car if possible. I've read that if you go underwater (not a likely escape strategy in most AZ parks, I reckon) they'll wait for you to surface. I've also read not to just lie down and play dead, but I can't find the reference to cite on that.

Or else find an indoor track!