The Africanized Bee more commonly known as the Killer Bee has now migrated as far north as Los Angeles and Kern Counties! "It is impossible to tell a Honey Bee from a Africanized Bee by looking at them." How to protect your Home Check around your home once a week during swarming season usually in the spring and fall. Listen for the sound of bees in the air. Persistent buzzing may mean a hive or swarm is nearby. "Bee-proof" your home by filling in potential nesting sites such as tree cavities and holes in outside walls. Put screens on the tops of rain spouts, vents and openings in meter/utility boxes in the ground. Remove piles of trash and junk. Some of the favorite sites for nesting are old tires, bird houses, flower pots and wood piles. Killer bees tend to nest lower to the ground than honey bees. What to do if you encounter Bees If bees are flying around you, run away quickly. Don't swat them--it will only make more bees want to sting you. Don't freeze in place--you will still get stung if you do. While running away, try to protect face and eyes as much as possible. Take shelter in a car or building. Don't try to escape by jumping into a swimming pool or pond. The bees likely will be waiting for you when you come up for air. What to do if Stung Go quickly to a safe area. Remove stinger as soon as possible, because venom can continue to pump into the body for up to 10 minutes. Don't squeeze stinger; pressure will release more venom. Scrape stinger out in a sideways motion with fingernail, knife blade or credit card. Wash sting area with soap and water. Apply ice pack for a few minutes to relieve pain and swelling or sting-kill ointment. Don't cut the skin, try to suck venom out or use a meat tenderizer on the wound. That could cause an infection. Seek medical attention if breathing is troubled, if stung numerous times or if allergic to bee stings. If stung several times contact authorities at once. Who to call in the Los Angeles area. If someone is being stung, call 911   Bee Swarms/Nests (Outside/Not on a Structure) Swanson Pest Control    661-949-1540   or    818-992-4181 Mosquito Abatement Districts (MAD) and Vector Control Districts For the district serving your community call 1-800-925-3800 Bee Swarms/Nests (Inside or on a Structure)      Swanson Pest Control    661-949-1540   or    818-992-4181 You can also call your local fire or agriculture department, which will recommend the next step to take. Look up these numbers and keep them by your phone