(St. George, UT) - The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has detected the presence of the Africanized Honey Bee (AHB) in Iron, Washington and Kane Counties of Southern Utah. One attack on a human, in the Beryl area of Iron County has been confirmed. The UDAF is monitoring how far north the bees are migrating.

Pete Kuhlmann, Washington County Emergency Services Director, reminds residents to be alert for bee colonies in unusual places and take the following precautions:

• Bee proof you home by sealing all cracks and holes in your home, outbuildings and other structures.

• Cover vents in your home with 1.8” screening.

• Remove junk piles, up turned pots or other items that might provide shelter for bees.

• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for bee activity.

• Be careful with lawnmowers and power equipment around bees, they can be agitated by the noise and vibration.

• If you find bees on your property contact a qualified pest control operator or bee keeper.

• If bees are attacking someone call 911.

If you are being stung:

• Don’t panic.

• Run as fast as possible and get inside a building or vehicle.

• Try to cover your face and head as you run.

• Once you are safely away from the bees, Call 911.

• Start removing stingers as soon as you are in a safe area. Scrape them off as soon as you can. Stingers left in place can continue to pump venom. Don’t stop to remove stingers until you are safely away from the bees.

For additional additional information go to ag.utah.gov