Africanized bees found in Pahrump

A swarm of Africanized bees has been discovered in Pahrump, about 63 miles west of Las Vegas, a state biologist said Wednesday.

"They are on the move because the weather is continuing to remain hot," said Tom Smigel of the state's Department of Business and Industry in the Division of Agriculture.

The Pahrump swarm was found north and west of the Calvada Inn, he said.

Two other swarms have been found in the Green Valley area and two more are under investigation.

Workers uncovered a possible colony of the aggressive bees underneath a pile of lumber in North Las Vegas. One of the workers reported some stings, Smigel said.

Another possible colony was discovered at the intersection of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Blue Diamond roads.

A state laboratory will confirm whether the bees are the more aggressive Africanized variety or the docile European honeybee.

State and local officials will track bees throughout Southern Nevada during the fall, winter and spring, Smigel said.

Bee activity started earlier in Southern Nevada this year and continued throughout the summer. The first swarm of Africanized bees was discovered in Searchlight in the spring.

The state is preparing materials for Clark County School District children on how to avoid being stung by the bees, while Clark County emergency rescue crews are undergoing training to handle bee attacks.

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