Beekeeper Says Honeybee Heists Happening More Often
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Posted: 3:14 AM Nov 15, 2009
Beekeeper Says Honeybee Heists Happening More Often
West Virginia apiarist Paul Poling says beekeepers are becoming more vulnerable to unscrupulous thieves who steal bees for their pollination services and honey.
Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: News@wsaz.com
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia apiarist Paul Poling says beekeepers are becoming more vulnerable to unscrupulous thieves who steal bees for their pollination services and honey.

Such thieves are potentially devastating to beekeepers struggling to survive following the arrival of varroa mites and Colony Collapse Disorder.

West Virginia beekeeper Mark C. Baker had hoped to capitalize on the rising value of his bees last winter. He shipped them to California for the almond pollination season. Instead he lost nearly $10,000 to thieves.

California beekeeper Dion Ashurst said the sluggish economy is prompting desperate beekeepers, brokers and growers to turn to crime to help bolster their own colonies and profits.

The difficulty of proving such crimes only makes matters worse.

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Latest Comments

Posted by: jimmy on Nov 16, 2009 at 12:23 AM

I don't understand how they can claim someone is stealing there bee's, How do you identify them to tell if there yours or not? I can understand a dog,cat or even a snake,but how do you identify a bee? Mabe they need to keep there bee's on a leash or mabe they are just full of bee's wax lol
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 15, 2009 at 10:12 PM

well, if the hive hasnt been removed, behind the siding on building 2 in lower bruce, there is a massive honey bee nest
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: makesmesick on Nov 15, 2009 at 11:00 AM

seems everyone is out for themselves; vultures waiting to take advantage of someone else or rip them off. MAKES ME SICK
[ Report Abuse ]


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