What do you do when a swarm of bees heads your way? Memorise these tips for summer.

• If a bee swarm comes your way, run for cover. Protect your head and face as much as you can with clothing or your arms. 
• Keep your mouth closed: if a bee stings inside your mouth or throat the swelling can impede breathing.
• If you can’t get indoors, get into a car or cover yourself with a blanket or clothing – especially the face, head and exposed skin.
• Don’t hit out at bees or try to “shoo” them away -- this will just encourage them to sting more.
• Jumping into water is not the best bet: bees can wait at the surface for hours and sting when you come up for air.   

- Olivia Rose-Innes, EnviroHealth Editor, Health24, updated February 2012