Check your property regularly for bee colonies. Honey bees nest in a wide variety of places, especially Africanized honey bees. Look for bees in work areas before using power equipment. 

Check animal burrows, water meter boxes, overturned flower pots, trees and shrubs.

Keep pets and children indoors when using weed eaters, hedge clippers, lawn mowers, chain saws, etc. An attack frequently occurs when a person is mowing the lawn or pruning shrubs and inadvertently strikes a nest.

If you encounter a swarm, run as quickly as you can in a straight line away from the bees. Do not flail or swing your arms at them, as this may further annoy them. Get to the 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.

Because bees target the head and eyes, cover your head as much as you can without slowing your escape. 

Don't jump in the water. Africanized honey bees can wait longer than you can.

Avoid excessive motion when near a colony. Bees are much more likely to respond to an object in motion than a stationary one.

Don't pen, tie or tether animals near bee hives or nests and never attempt to remove a nest yourself. Find a reputable pest control company that specializes in bee removal. If the hives are in your property contact trained and licensed pest control operator. For emergencies call 911.

Emergency Operations Center