The incident took place on July 14. Volunteer firefighters from Stare Jaroszowice:
(...) we were dispatched to remove an insect nest from the ruins of an old church in Stare Jaroszowice.
What are the rules for reporting hazards posed by swarms or nests of stinging insects?
According to the website of the Republic of Poland, a person reporting an incident involving a swarm or nest should provide, in addition to their first and last name (function or position) and the telephone number from which they are reporting the incident, the following information:
- the type of insects (if possible);
- their location, access to the swarm or nest, and the object involved in the incident;
- whether there are hazards in the object connected with people staying there, in particular whether groups of children (preschools, schools) or people with limited mobility are present.
What should—and should not—be done when encountering a swarm or nest of stinging insects?
- Do not approach a nest or swarm closer than 20 m in open terrain, or leave the room in which the insects are located.
- Do not attempt to remove the swarm or nest yourself.
- Do not irritate the insects by throwing various objects at them or spraying them with water or insecticides.
- Warn people approaching the insects’ habitat about their presence.
