Africanized Honey Bees
FACT: Africanized Honey Bees have colonized all of L.A. County, including West Covina. 

FACT: The West Covina Fire Department has implemented a Bee Response Plan to deal with AHB attacks. 

FACT: Not all bees are dangerous or require a Fire Department response. 

FACT: There are precautions that YOU can take to minimize the threat of an AHB attack. 

Africanized Honey Bees are living among us here in West Covina. They are virtually identical in appearance to common European Honey Bees. They swarm more frequently to search for new nesting sites. They respond very quickly to a perceived threat to their colony, stinging in large numbers. 

The West Covina Fire Department has received training in how to deal with a multiple stinging emergency. Although the Fire Department has protective bee veils, they can not act as exterminators and remove non-aggressive bees. If attacked by bees, leave the area immediately; covering your eyes and mouth. Run to a safe area of refuge such as a car or inside of a building. 

Africanized Honey Bees have similar qualities to common European Honey Bees. Bees flying around flowers or water are only foraging and should not be considered a threat. All honey bees travel in swarms when searching for new nesting sites. When traveling in swarms, AHB's are far less aggressive because they do not have an established nest to defend. These swarms will often leave an area within a few hours. 

There are certain precautions that you can take to live safely with Africanized Honey Bees. Keep your distance away from all bees to prevent stings. Bees remaining in an area for several days may be constructing a nest and should be removed by a Pest Control Operator. Bee-proof your home to eliminate as many potential nesting sites as possible. AHB's as less picky about nesting sites and will often choose small sheltered areas such as, old tires, water meter boxes, flowerpots, and inside walls of homes. 

Make routine inspections of your home and yard. Look for increased bee activity before using loud or vibrating equipment such as lawn mowers or other power equipment. Bees can enter any opening as small as 3/8 inch. Remove junk piles and any other items that bees could use as a nest. Seal openings and cracks in walls and chimneys larger than 1/8 inch, using caulking, steel wool, or expanding foam products. 

If large numbers of bees are found outside of a structure or house, contact the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District at 1-800-925-3800 to have the bees removed. If bees are found inside or on a building or structure, call 1-800-BEE WARY or consult the yellow pages for a pest control operator. In a multiple stinging emergency, CALL 911.