Erath County extension agent addresses concerns about aggressive bees in parts of North Texas.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

Erath County extension agent Lonnie Jenschke says he has been inundated with calls from residents concerned about aggressive bees after a Comanche County couple lost three horses to a bee attack on May 9 (full story here) and an Eastland man died on April 27 after being attacked by a swarm of bees inside his car (full story here).

“People are asking if they are Africanized bees, but they have to be put under a microscope to be certain,” Jenschke told Beneath the Surface News.

“I can’t say for sure that these aggressive bees are Africanized, but they have the tendencies.”

Jenschke said bees are attracted to running tractors, lawnmowers, weed eaters and air conditioning units – anything that vibrates.

He said doing a thorough check of your surroundings is the best way to avoid an attack.

“If someone is attacked, the first thing to do is cover your head; bees like to go where the heat is,” he said.

“Fighting back could make the bees more aggressive, so try to get inside a building.”

Jenschke said there are local beekeepers that can remove swarms.

He advised that if a resident spots a swarm that is a danger to the public, they should contact the Stephenville Fire Department immediately.

“As long as you are careful and pay attention to your surroundings, you should be fine,” he said.