A top agricultural official said Africanized “killer bees” are expected to reach Los Angeles County this year and he urged the public to use common sense in dealing with the invasion.

Stay away from swarms and don’t try to deal with them yourself, county Agricultural Commissioner Leon Spaugy said Tuesday.

Agricultural officials have said they expect Africanized bees to take over all wild hives in California eventually. Commercial beekeepers plan to protect their hives by introducing new European queen bees frequently.

Spaugy told county supervisors that the Africanized bees are no more dangerous than more peaceful domestic bees - unless their hives are threatened.

Then, he said, they attack more vigorously and for longer distances.

He said that a major “killer bee” invasion is not expected, although there probably will be some small swarms.