Beware of bee season

MISSION — Every few weeks, the family property must be checked for killer bees.

The precaution was prompted after a swarm of Africanized bees claimed a life there in September.

Paul Compton, then 57, died in front of the small home on this rural plot north of Mission.

Paul and his 51-year-old brother, Lester, suffered from a mental handicap, and they had returned home from a doctor’s appointment when thousands of bees swarmed them. Lester escaped. Paul did not.

Now, Lester’s cousin Helen Hawkins and her father, Ezra Compton, take every precaution to ensure bees do not return.

Ezra, who checks on the disabled Lester about once a week, always sweeps the property for bees.

Authorities say this is just the type of precaution needed to keep bees at bay.

As the weather warms and summer approaches, the likelihood of bee attacks increases. So, Rio Grande Valley residents should be aware.

After Paul died from the bee attack, McAllen Fire Lt. Rene Alaniz offered advice on avoiding bee attacks.

He said residents should wear light-colored clothing while doing yard work, because dark colors attract bees.

People should also know if they are allergic to bee stings, and talk to their doctors about what to do in case of a sting. In the case of a sting, victims should not remove the stinger with their fingers. Squeezing the stinger can release poisons. Instead, it’s best to flick it out with a credit card.

In the case of Lester and Paul Compton, they had just pulled up to the home in their car when the bees struck. Experts say humming engines from cars and mowers can irritate bees and cause them to swarm. So, exercise caution when operating machinery.

Also, remove anything that could shelter bees such as garbage, debris and holes in the side of houses, as recommended by the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, located at the University of Arizona.

Place mesh screens over all vents, including those in attics, as well as on water meter key holes. And keep shed and garage doors shut as securely as possible.

These steps go a long way toward preventing potentially deadly summer bee attacks.

Lester now lives in the home alone, supported by Social Security benefits. Hawkins, one of his primary caretakers, says he has coped with the loss of his brother and roommate.

“Of course, he still has his good days and bad,” she said.