If you find yourself squaring off against a potential swarm, the best thing to do is stay calm and leave. Don’t swat at them, either, as it’ll be perceived as an aggressive move, which could spark the bee into becoming more defensive, and increasing the possibility of getting stung.

If you find yourself squaring off against a potential swarm, the best thing to do is stay calm and leave.

“When dealing with bees that start coming towards you, the first thing they will do is bump you, because if they sting you they die,” President of the Beekeepers Association of Central Arizona and University of Montana Master Beekeeper Duane Combs told the Arizona Republic said. “When you see bees circling around you or bumping you, you need to back up and back out of the area.”

Don’t swat at them, either, as it’ll be perceived as an aggressive move, which could spark the bee into becoming more defensive, and increasing the possibility of getting stung.

Like most wild animals or insects, bees are just as unpredictable, meaning anyone, especially those allergic, should remain cautious.

“When you encounter bees, just move slowly out of the area, protecting your mouth and your eyes,” Combs said.

These are some additional tips from experts to help reduce grabbing a bee’s attention:
– Avoid wearing dark, loose clothing or shiny objects
– Avoid wearing perfumes, cologne, or strong scent
– Don’t make jerky movements near hives
– Do not swat at bees