Pest Relocation

Reptile, Animal & Insect Capture and Relocation (Hazard Removal)

H. Cuerpo de Bomberos Voluntarios de El Centenario (HCBVEC) Sector 6 provides public-assistance responses for the safe capture and relocation of reptiles, certain animals, and insects when residents encounter a situation that presents a hazard or elevated risk.

Many species play an important role in our local ecosystem, and our objective is risk reduction with humane handling. Whenever feasible, we capture and relocate the animal or insect away from homes, schools, businesses, and public areas—rather than destroying it. We do not exterminate wildlife or insects unless it is absolutely necessary to protect human life or prevent imminent harm.

 Honey Bee Swarms in La Paz: What to Know and When to Call
In the La Paz area, honey bees are very common. Because of the healthy local bee population, new queens regularly leave established colonies and search for new “homes.” During this natural process, residents may notice a swarm, a large cluster of bees moving together and then gathering in one place.

Wasps and Bees are Different.
Bees and wasps are both stinging insects, but they differ in appearance, behavior, ecology, and the level of risk they typically pose to the public.

1) Primary role in nature

* Bees: Mostly pollinators. They feed on nectar and pollen and are essential for plants and crops.
* Wasps: Mostly predators/scavengers. Many wasps hunt insects (including pests), and others scavenge sugary foods and meats.

2) Temperament and “why they sting”

* Bees (especially honey bees): Often less aggressive away from their hive or when swarming. They usually sting to defend the colony or if trapped/handled.
* Wasps: More likely to be territorial around nests and can be aggressive when disturbed. They may defend their nest vigorously.

 3) Stings: once vs. multiple times

* Honey bees: A worker honey bee typically stings once and then dies (barbed stinger).
* Wasps (and many other bees like bumblebees): Can sting multiple times because their stinger is usually not barbed.

 4) Appearance (quick field clues)

* Bees: Usually fuzzy/hairy, more robust bodies; hair helps collect pollen. Often golden-brown/black.
* Wasps: Usually smooth and shiny, with a slimmer “waist,” and more sharply defined yellow/black patterns.

5) Nests and where you find them

* Honey bees: Live in wax comb hives—tree cavities, wall voids, roofs, or managed boxes. Swarms may hang as a temporary cluster.
* Wasps: Build paper-like nests from chewed wood fibers, often under eaves, in shrubs, attics, wall voids, or underground (some species).

6) Seasonal behavior near people

* Bees: Often focused on flowers; swarms can appear during colony reproduction. They are commonly calm if left alone.
* Wasps: Often become more noticeable later in warm seasons when they seek sugary drinks, food, and trash, increasing human contact.

7) Risk profile

* Bee swarm: Frequently low risk if not disturbed, but should be respected—especially around children, pets, and allergic persons.
* Wasp nest: Often higher risk, particularly if the nest is near doors, walkways, schools, or if it is disturbed (vibration, mowing, trimming).

Practical guidance for the public

* Do not spray or throw objects at either. This commonly escalates stinging.
* Keep distance and restrict access for children/pets.
* If there is a nest or swarm in a high-traffic area, or if someone nearby has a known severe allergy, request assistance.

Why swarms happen
A swarm is typically a temporary resting stop. These swarms will often travel and then settle in a shaded area (such as a tree branch, fence line, or under an overhang) for up to three days while scout bees search for a permanent nesting location.

Are swarms dangerous?
In most cases, swarms pose little to no threat if left alone. They are generally not defending a nest or honey stores, and they are often calm. The safest action for the public is usually simple:
* Keep your distance
* Keep children and pets away
* Do not spray, throw water, or attempt removal

If by chance you are outside and a swarm is on the move, you may hear the swarm approaching by the loud noise they make as thousands of bees are in flight. The best thing to do if they are flying past you is to stand perfectly still for the minute or two that it takes for the swarm to pass by you. They will not attack you so DO NOT start waving your arms. Just remain calm and enjoy one of natures most awesome experiences.

 When HCBVEC responds

Please contact HCBVEC Sector 6 when there is a clear risk, such as:
* A reptile or animal inside a home, business, or enclosed patio
* Aggressive behavior, trapped animals, or wildlife posing a direct threat
* Bee activity near entrances, children, elderly residents, or high-traffic areas
* A swarm or hive located where stings are likely or unavoidable
* Any situation involving residents with known severe allergies

How we safely relocate swarms and hives
If capture or relocation is necessary, we follow safer handling practices. Whenever possible, removal is performed after dark, because the worker bees have returned for the night, which reduces bee activity and lowers the risk of stings during the operation.

Important safety reminder

For your safety:
* Do not attempt to handle reptiles, swarms, hives, or unknown insects yourself
* Keep children and pets away from the area
* If anyone has signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, collapse), call 9-1-1 immediately.

Our Commitment
We respect the importance of wildlife and beneficial insects—especially honey bees. We do not destroy bees, hives, reptiles, or other animals unless it is absolutely necessary to protect life or prevent imminent harm. Our goal is always risk reduction and humane relocation whenever feasible.

As a volunteer organization, our services depend entirely on community support. If we assist you, please consider making a donation to help us continue providing these safety services to Sector 6 and surrounding communities.