This post was written by the University of Florida
Bee Swarm
Photo: M. K. O'Malley, University of Florida
Bee proof your home and yard:
Remove potential nesting site
Inspect exterior walls and eaves
Seal openings greater than 1/8-inch or install screens (1/8-inch hardware cloth) over vents, rain spouts, water meter/utility boxes, tree cavities, etc.
During peak swarming season (spring through fall) inspect once or twice a week for any bee activity. If you see a swarm of bees that is focusing on one place for 48 hours or more, it is likely they have selected it as their new nest. Call a pest control company to have it removed before they become defensive.
Educate your family to follow general precautions and have a bee safety plan:
Listen for buzzing and look for bees entering or leaving an area, indicating a nest or swarm
Carefully enter areas where bees might be nesting (garages, sheds, old cars, etc.)
Examine area prior to using noisy power equipment (lawn mowers, blowers, chain saws, etc.)
Examine areas before tying or penning pets and livestock
Never disturb a swarm or colony of bees -- contact a pest control company or your Cooperative Extension Agent for assistance
If bees start flying around you, run away. Do not swat at the bees, this will encourage them to sting. Also do not freeze in place, this will also encourage stinging
If bees attack, don’t try to escape by jumping into water – the bees will wait for you to come up for air. Instead, run away and find shelter in a house or car. If there is no shelter, run through bushes or high weeds.
A honey bee will leave its stinger in your skin if it stings you. Get the stinger out by raking your fingernail across it. Don't pinch or pull the stinger out. Put ice on a sting to reduce the swelling.
For detailed information and pictures, please visit https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in741
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