Dos and don'ts:
DO check your property regularly for bee colonies. Honey bees nest in a variety of places, especially Africanized honeybees. Check animal burrows, water meter boxes, overturned flowerpots, trees and shrubs.
DO keep pets and children indoors when using weed eaters, hedge clippers, tractor power mowers, chain saws, etc. Attacks frequently occur when a person is mowing the lawn or pruning shrubs and inadvertently strikes a bee's nest.
DO avoid excessive motion when near a colony. Bees are much more likely to respond to an object in motion than a motionless one.
DON'T pen, tie or tether animals near beehives or nests.
DON'T destroy bee colonies or hives, especially with pesticides. Honeybees are a vital link to U.S. agriculture. Each year, pollination by honeybees adds at least $10 billion to the value of more than 90 crops. They also produce about $150 million worth of honey each year.
DON'T remove bees yourself. If you want bees removed, look in the Yellow Pages under "bee removal" or "beekeepers."
What to do if you are attacked:
1. Run as quickly as you can away from the bees. Do not flail or swing your arms at them, as this may further annoy them.
2. Because bees target the head and eyes, cover your head as much as you can without slowing your escape.
3. Get to the shelter or closest house or car as quickly as possible. Don't worry if a few bees become trapped in your home. If several bees follow you into your car, drive about a quarter of a mile and let the bees out of the car.
When to call the fire department:
Call the fire department (9-1-1) only when emergency medical services are needed. If someone has been stung by many bees at once or has an allergic reaction to a bee sting, call 9-1-1. Call the fire department (9-1-1) if someone has become trapped in a building or car with lots of bees. Fire trucks are equipped with foam that can be sprayed on the bees to drown them. DO NOT call the fire department to remove bee colonies or hives. If you want bees removed, look in the Yellow Pages under "bee removal" or "beekeepers."
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