Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Bee Prepared

Bee stings can result in serious injury to human or domestic animals. Arizona Department of Agriculture officials offer the following tips to prevent a bee attack.

These suggestions are true for both Africanized and European bees, although Africanized bees are more easily provoked and will attack more aggressively when provoked. It is impossible to differentiate between Africanized and European bees with the naked eye, although their behaviors are noticeably different.
· Stop, Look, and Listen; before opening any container at all, listen to it. If there is any buzzing, hum, or vibration in it, back away slowly. This includes storage sheds, boxes and bins in your yard.
· Check any area each and every time before you let your dogs or kids out to play, or before performing any landscape work in that area, especially mowing.
· If you are in an area that you suspect may be infested with bees, never get more than a 30 second sprint from an enclosed vehicle, unless you have protective gear.
· Like many of us, bees love peace and quiet, and will often attack vibration sources such as generators, lawnmowers, weed eaters, ATV's, and those operating them.
· Bees are especially attracted to attack objects with a chemical smell, it could be anything as small as the permanent marker in your pocket.
· When attacking bees will target dark colors, such as a shirt or your dog.
Bees will not attack unless given a reason, such as the ones given above.

If you are attacked by bees:
Cover your face with your hands and run as quickly as possible away from the hive or swarm.
If you can, get indoors or to an enclosed vehicle do so as soon as possible.
If you are in the open, try to run through bushes or shrubbery, the moving leaves will distract many of the bees from following you.
Do NOT jump in a lake, pool, or other body of water. Bees will wait for you to resurface, then will resume their attack.

Today's Assignment
Read the above information and educate your family! Check your property CAREFULLY for possible hives or infestations. Alert a bee removal specialist immediately if necessary.

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