Bee Safe -- Self-Help Guide

Awareness

• Teach children to be respectful of all bees.

• Observe. Listen for buzzing, and look for signs of bees following a constant path.

• Use care. Don't disturb a nest or a swarm. Call a professional.

• If pursued by bees, take shelter in a building or vehicle. Protect your eyes and face if being stung. Protect your hair. Don't swat at bees - it makes them more aggressive
  
  

Prevention

• Remove possible nesting sites from the area around your home: empty containers; old tires; vehicles; cavities in fences, ground, and trees Inspect outbuildings, eaves and crawl spaces. 

• Seal openings larger than 1/8" in walls and around plumbing.

• Install screens where openings cannot be sealed.

• Avoid wearing colognes and scented soaps.  
  
  

Sting Response

• Remove stingers -- if possible scrape them off rather than squeezing them, but most importantly, get them out quickly.

• Wash the sting or stings with soap.

• Apply ice.

• Seek medical attention if stung numerous times or if allergic to bee stings.