Bee Swarm in Washington DC Sparks Police Warning

Abee swarm sparked alarm in Washington D.C. on Monday, with police issuing a warning for residents to avoid the area.
Why It Matters

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that while most single bee stings cause "only mild discomfort," some may "result in severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical care and may cause death."

The risk rises exponentially if someone is attacked by an entire swarm of bees, which can contain tens of thousands of insects.

In 2021, a Texas man died after hundreds of bees attacked him while he mowed his lawn. Meanwhile, a California man was also left in a critical condition last summer after he was stung more than 200 times by a swarm of bees. Two of the man's horses were killed in the attack.

Thousands of bees clustering on a tree branch in Washington D.C. in 2024. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
What To Know

On Monday, the District of Columbia Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) both dispatched officials to the area around the Taft Bridge following reports of a bee swarm. Traffic officers also urged civilians to stay away.

It is unclear whether anyone was stung during the incident. Newsweek has contacted the MPD for comment outside of regular working hours.

The CDC says a person with a single bee sting should be monitored to ensure there is no allergic reaction, while the stinger should be removed by swiping gauze or "scraping a fingernail" over the area.

The agency adds that the sting site should be washed with soap and water, and ice can be applied to reduce the swelling. The area should not be scratched because this can increase the risk of infection.

"If attacked by several stinging insects, run to get away. (Bees release a chemical when they sting, which attracts other bees.) Go indoors. Shaded areas are better than open areas. Do not jump into water. Some insects (ex. Africanized honey bees) are known to hover above the water," the CDC says.

What People Are Saying

On Monday, the DC Police Traffic account wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "FYI: Citizens are advised to avoid the east sidewalk on the Taft Bridge, located in the 2500 Block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, due to a swarm of bees hovering in the air. DPW has been notified to assist. MPD is on the scene."
What Happens Next

Police in Washington D.C. are expected to provide an update on Monday's swarm.

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