Yesterday, I was using the backhoe to pull some junk from the 30 foot ring of brush around a tree on 5.5 acres of overgrown land I just recently purchased. Everything was going good when I noticed some type of insect buzz by my head, next thing I know there are hundreds of bees swarming, many stinging me. I had the boom and dipper stretched out all the way, the outriggers and FEL down so no way to drive off. Luckily, I had the presence of mind, even though being attacked, I shut off the key. I ran 100 yards or so towards an open area trying to swat them off with my hat, being swarmed and stung all the while. Once in an open area I stopped running, hoping the wind would help blow them away from me. Some did leave but about 20 or 30 still swarmed and ocassionally attacked. After 2 or 3 minutes of this (seemed more like 30) most left and only an occasional 2 or 3 would attack. My truck and trailer were down the path towards the tractor (and bees) so I waited about 45 minutes so the swarm would move away. I went to the truck, getting stung by a couple more. Finally, I got in and drove home.
I've never had a reaction to bee or wasp venom so I didn't go to the doctor but I definately paid attention to how I felt for the next several hours. I counted 28 stings (seemed like a lot more as it was happening). A couple of them really hurt so must have received more venom.
I went back today and slowly approached the tractor. I pulled the key and started looking for the nest. As I moved slowly around I started hearing buzzing. I followed the sound and saw the swarm about 3 feet in diameter on the tree trunk. I guess I destroyed the nest. There were a 100 or so buzzing around the swarm so I got out of there.
Now I need to get the 12 volt, diesel compatable spot sprayer that I'm planning on buying anyway purchased so I can go back in the next night or two and spray them from a distance. I want to eradicate them before the swarm moves somewhere else and I run into them unexpectedly again.
I've never had a reaction to bee or wasp venom so I didn't go to the doctor but I definately paid attention to how I felt for the next several hours. I counted 28 stings (seemed like a lot more as it was happening). A couple of them really hurt so must have received more venom.
I went back today and slowly approached the tractor. I pulled the key and started looking for the nest. As I moved slowly around I started hearing buzzing. I followed the sound and saw the swarm about 3 feet in diameter on the tree trunk. I guess I destroyed the nest. There were a 100 or so buzzing around the swarm so I got out of there.
Now I need to get the 12 volt, diesel compatable spot sprayer that I'm planning on buying anyway purchased so I can go back in the next night or two and spray them from a distance. I want to eradicate them before the swarm moves somewhere else and I run into them unexpectedly again.