[StBernard] Expert: Fire Trucks' Sirens Agitate Killer Bees

[Westley Annis]

Expert: Fire Trucks' Sirens Agitate Killer Bees
TheNewOrleansChannel.com
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 nickname suggests, killer bees aren't
poisonous, but 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. 

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.