The Human Threat

With skyrocketing prices for pollination services, beehives — sadly — have also become increasingly tempting targets for human thieves. To combat the problem, keep your hives as far from common lines of sight as possible. You might also want to monitor the apiary with a wireless, motion-sensitive trail cam. Some beekeepers have also added GPS tags to the inside of their hives. These can act as theft deterrents in and of themselves. Or, if the tagged hives are stolen, they may be able to be tracked and recovered.

In response to successful and would-be thieves, beekeeping groups, farmers and the lay public are working together to protect hives and prevent further thefts. In some areas, reward money is being offered. And groups such as the California State Beekeepers Association have launched awareness campaigns with clear guidelines we can all follow. Some of their recommendations for farmers using pollination services include “[using] only reputable, registered beekeepers who can show proof of ownership of their beehives, [encouraging] beekeepers to clearly mark their hives and equipment,” and “[knowing] your beekeepers, their equipment and move-in/move out schedule.”

Whether the threat comes from people, birds, or bears, prevention is paramount. “The bottom line is to be proactive — not reactive,” says Penn State Extension Educator Robyn Underwood.