Recently, bees have been buzzing around campus even more than the administrators in their golf carts. But these endangered bees pose a threat to not only the student body, but also themselves.
According to the Huffington Post, honeybees are responsible for pollinating more than a third of America’s crops. With the ongoing extinction dilemma, Boone administrators face the task of getting rid of the bees without killing them. In the meantime, the insects are an annoyance to students.
“I think the school could do more to get rid of them. It seems like the school is telling the kids more of what to do about avoiding getting stung rather than getting rid of the bees,” freshman Gracyn Lindorg said.
Frustrated that the bees are not gone yet, Lindborg is forced to sit inside during lunch to avoid getting stung.
While the insects are merely an annoyance to the students with no allergies, the bees are a serious threat for those who are allergic to the small stingers. It is suggested that those who are allergic carry an epinephrine auto injector at all times and avoid standing outside or near trashcans. Also, it is important that those who are allergic alert their teachers.
“As a teacher, I want to know which students are in harms way so I can be prepared for an emergency,” science teacher Kimberly Porterfield said.
Students have been alerted to stay away from areas where the bees congregate. Swatting at the bees is discouraged because they will become hostile. In the event that a student is stung, Pamela Furman, the school nurse, is in her office and can be reached by radio during school hours.
As far as getting rid of the bees, the custodians are changing the trash bags often to avoid attracting the bees. Due to health and safety concerns, smoking out the bees is not an option. Exterminators are working to find the main nest to eliminate the problem. But in the meantime, the bees will remain an unwelcome addition to the campus buzz.