Woman seeks $150 for bee removal

A Huntington Beach woman wants the city to reimburse her the costs of a bee service after she was held “hostage” in her home by a swarm of an estimated 3,000 African bees, according to public documents.

Beverly Skoviak, 58, filed a claim July 26 for $150 alleging the city is responsible because it trimmed the trees the bees were in. A claim is the precursor to a lawsuit.

The city is investigating the claim and no action has been taken, said spokeswoman Laurie Payne.

The swarm flew down Polk Circle on July 16 to a pine tree in Skoviak’s yard after a city tree they were in was trimmed, according to the claim.

Skoviak was assured by beekeepers that they would leave in a day or two; but after six days, the bees were still there and had become hostile, according to the claim.

The bees became aggressive toward people and pets, leaving neighbors feeling nervous and keeping their children and animals inside.

Skoviak said she felt like a hostage in her own home during the week, according to the claim.

After a week, Skoviak called in a bee service to vacuum and spray the tree for $150.

— Britney Barnes