Standard bees and killer bees have the same appearance. Both bees will sting in defense of themselves or their colony sting only once before dying Africanized honeybees and European honeybees have the same venom Both bees can pollinate flowers, produce honey and make wax Killer bees may seem docile at first. Keeping your distance will limit chances of an attack. Do not disturb or tease bees: no throwing rocks, spraying with water, pouring gasoline, burning bee colony or hive, trying to control bees with wasp spray or any aerosol pesticides. These will only set off an attack.Call a professional bee removal specialist to assist you in safely removing bees, bee hives, swarms or colonies.

If you are attacked by bees:

LEAVE THE AREA QUICKLY, do not swat at the bees. COVER YOUR HEAD AND FACE. Use clothes to protect your eyes, ears and mouth from the bees.

SEEK SHELTER inside any enclosure such as a car, house, or other sealed building, where the bees cannot enter. Some bees may follow inside, possibly stinging you. STAY CALM!

DO NOT JUMP INTO WATER! Bees will wait above water for you to resurface, where they can sting your eyes, ears, nose and mouth while you swim or tread water.

Defensive reaction time:

After the colony is disturbed, Africanized killer bees will remain agitated for up to 8 hours or more.

European honeybees normally cease their defensive behavior after 1 to 2 hours.

First aid:

Remove the stinger quickly by scraping it with credit card, fingernail or a dull thin object; try to get under the stinger’s venom sack. Never grab the stinger to pull it out, this will only inject more venom into your skin.

It takes more than 10 stings per pound of body weight to cause serious illness to a human being. However, if you are allergic to bee stings, it may take only ONE sting for a life threatening reaction.

If you have been stung many times, or are showing signs of a mild allergic reaction: Call the Poison Control Center at (800) 362-0101 or (602) 253-3334.

For severe allergic reactions – Call 911

Other Bee infestations may include:

• Carpenter bees
• Small cavities
• Yellow jackets
• Paper wasps
• Hornets

Bee colonies may be located in:

• Small cavities
• Trees & Shrubs
• Sides of Buildings
• Roof & Eve Overhangs
• Crawl Spaces

Bee colonies may also be Located In:

• Block Walls
• Drain Pipes
• Water Meter & Value Boxes
• Appliances & Junk Piles
• Anything that makes them feel safe