FPMA to Hold Classes on 'Killer Bees'

The Florida Pest Management Association is holding a series of free classes to help first responders -- such as fire and rescue and law enforcement agencies -- deal with increased encounters with potentially dangerous Africanized honey bees.

Classes will be held in various cities across the state in the coming weeks, including one in Apopka on May 26.

Brought to you by Cingular David Pomfret, president of FPMA, says that with more attacks expected from these so-called "killer bees" in the state, the association wants to educate both pest management professionals and first responders on how to handle such incidents.

Phil Koehler of the University of Florida says Africanized bees recently attacked people, dogs, firefighters and news crews in Miami.

"Don't be foolish and think Africanized bees are just an average pest," says Koehler.

The class in Apopka will be held at the Mid Florida Research & Education Center, 2725 Binion Road, at 3:10 p.m. Registration is a half-hour before the start.

Other classes will be held in Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Panama City.