NEW ORLEANS --
When you're around killer bees, it's best to keep quiet. That's what New Orleans insect experts have told local firefighters.
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture has confirmed that Africanized bees are in St. Bernard Parish. Unlike their name suggests, killer bees are not poisonous insofar as a single sting would not kill a person who isn't allergic to bees; however, they are more aggressive than regular honeybees.
Firefighters are often the first to respond to a report of killer bees, but experts said the crews shouldn't blast their sirens as they approach.
"The bees don't like loud noises and it gets them agitated, so we told them not to sound the sirens when responding," said Ken Brown, with New Orleans Insect Control.
Killer bees were first found in Louisiana in Caddo Parish in June 2005. Fire departments have been urged to buy special bee suits for killer bee calls. The foam used to douse electrical fires also works to control the bees.
