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Is it safe to visit Nine Arch Bridge right now? Heard about wasp attacks.

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Andrew Müller•175 rep•1

I saw a news report that the Nine Arch Bridge was temporarily closed due to a wasp attack yesterday.

We are in Ella with small kids. Is this a common thing? Should we avoid the bridge? We don't want to get stung.

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Nine Arches Bridge

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Ella, Sri Lanka

1 Answer from travellers

Verified Local Expert

This is a very real seasonal danger in Ella (Jan – April). The bridge is home to several massive hives of Giant Honey Bees (Bambara) hanging under the arches.

The Trigger: They are usually calm, but loud noises (drones!) or smoke can trigger a swarm. When they attack, they swarm in the hundreds.

The Warning System: If you see locals running or shouting "Duwanna!" (Run) or telling you to lie down, listen to them. Do not stand there filming.

Safety Tip:

Do NOT fly a drone under the arches (this is the #1 cause of attacks).

Visit early morning (sunrise) when the bees are dormant.

If attacked, run into the smoke (locals often light fires to repel them) or cover your head and lie flat.

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