WWL-TV medical reporter Meg Farris wound up on the wrong end of the story on Monday, getting stung while covering a bee-relocation operation in New Orleans. Crews on the block were working with local beekeepers to move tightly clustered colonies after a dense swarm settled in the area.
According to WWL‑TV, Farris was stung as she tried to gather details at the scene, while responders ultimately removed two hives they said held thousands of bees. Station video shows the thick cluster and teams methodically capturing and relocating the colonies, with the footage and interviews later posted online Monday evening.
Why swarms happen and what to do
Swarming is a routine reproductive behavior for honeybee colonies in spring and early summer, when a portion of the hive departs with the queen and temporarily forms a cluster while scout bees search for a permanent home. The LSU AgCenter advises that the safest move is to keep people and pets away, avoid disturbing the cluster, and contact a licensed beekeeper or your parish extension office instead of trying to handle removal on your own. The AgCenter also notes that situations where people are actively being stung should be treated as emergencies, and that samples can be tested if the bees seem unusually aggressive.
Local removals and who to call
Across the New Orleans area, many beekeepers and rescue groups favor live capture and relocation instead of extermination to protect pollinators and cut down on neighborhood risk. Local removal operations such as The Brave Farmer have been highlighted for this work and say that rescuing colonies is a routine part of the season. If a swarm lands on your property, beekeeper directories and the AgCenter can usually connect you with trained crews who will safely remove and rehome the bees.
Medical note
Most bee stings cause only localized pain, swelling, and redness, but a subset of people can develop severe allergic reactions. The Mayo Clinic reports that anyone showing signs of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness, needs immediate emergency care, and people with known sting allergies should carry an epinephrine autoinjector. For typical stings, recommended first aid includes removing the stinger, washing the area, applying a cold compress, and using antihistamines if needed.
With spring swarm season already underway across the Gulf South, the encounter documented by WWL‑TV serves as a pointed reminder that calling trained beekeepers is the safest choice when a cluster lands in the neighborhood. Keep your distance, keep pets and children indoors until professionals arrive, and reach out to local extension offices or beekeeper groups for help.
