I came home today and found my hives knocked over and the bees were exposed to the elements all day. I don’t know if the queens survived. I put the hives back together as best I could.
Kids, I guess, brought up to be stupid and thoughtless by stupid and thoughtless parents thought it would be fun to kill my bees.
That’s the trouble in trying to do something in the suburbs. You are surrounded by people who have lost what little culture they ever had. They have no feel for the land or appreciation for the small creatures that live there. They think in terms of chemical green lawns and inflated property values.
You are so right. I was mostly brought up in the country on weekends and summers but lived in the suburbs during the week. It was two different worlds and I had a hard time dealing with the suburban mindset. Over the years though as a homeowner in the suburbs I have influenced many people to be greener and more respectful. You can win them all but it's really rewarding when you win over a few. I'm sorry someone was so stupid with your hive. I hope it comes out okay.
Do you have bears in the area? Are you sure it was kids?
We don't have bears. Bears don't throw rocks at the hives.
Sorry, I didn't realize rocks had been thrown. You only said that the hives had been knocked over. Regardless, it's a shame.
Did you have any similar incidents since 2009 where your hives were knocked down or damaged?
Have you tried tying them down with metal straps.
The kids were probably stung quite badly as a result of their actions and never came back. Usually I pile blocks on top of the hives which makes them hard to knock over. I have thought about putting wood strips along the sides to hold them together.
The bottom deeps fill with honey and weight 50 pounds or so, so they are stable. It is hard to knock them over. The kids threw large stones and broke open one of the hives. There is not much I can do about that.
Keith
have you had any other vandalism or similar incidents since 2009
No others. I think they learned their lesson.
I just had the same thing happen to three of my hives. Lost queens, 80% of my bees, wooden ware, drawn comb, and over 300lbs of partially capped and uncapped honey. They used rocks, sticks etc and then pelted the exposed frames with debris. Total waste. Modern technology is a wonderful thing. I put the word out and had 2 names within an hour. Charges will be laid along with a law suit for $8,000. in damages. I can’t wait to meet them………
I would hope that they got a few good stings.
It is heartbreaking to lose a hive through disease or pests, but it is frustrating and angifying (to use my grandfather’s word) when ignorant brats do it.
Keith