JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Florida officials have begun sending out warnings about the dangers of killer bees, which they said are already in the state.

In response to the bees, Florida has developed a series of public service announcements telling residents of the danger of Africanized Honey Bees, which are known for the aggressive behavior.

Experts said the bees could pose a threat to people and animals.

Africanized Honey Bees, also called killer bees, were discovered in the state five years ago. Since then, the number of nests and swarms found across the state has been multiplying, according to experts.

The Department of Agriculture said the public should be on the lookout and know how to keep themselves protected.

"We're trying to get people to pay attention to their environment -- listen for bees, look before you get in an area," said Liz Compton with Department of Agriculture.

The department is launching a series of public service announcements designed to inform people about the bees and how dangerous they are.

"It's a growing problem and they're moving up the state. First we saw them in South Florida and their obviously spreading up the state," Compton said.

They've even been spotted in North Florida. Bug experts to the west of Jacksonville in Live Oak said killer bees killed a horse.

"This is a very serious matter," said Entomologist Linda Prentice. "We're trying to make the public aware. These are very aggressive bees."

Prentice works with Bug Out services in Jacksonville. She said killer bees have been spotted in the ports and that it's just a matter of time before they make their way into back yards.

Experts said killer bees are generally smaller and more aggressive than honey bees and attack in swarms.

Anyone who comes in contact with killer bees is urged to run away, cover up and try to get inside a home or car. Experts said not to jump into water because the bee would follow.

Anyone suspecting a killer bee hive is near their home should call a pest control professional.

For more information about killer bees, including how to create a safe environment and avoid an attack, visit www.doacs.state.fl.us