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. 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.