CSBA Issues
Beehive Theft On the Rise
Theft of bees and beehives is a serious issue for California beekeepers, for farmers who rely on pollinators and for consumers who like to eat.
Costs to farmers and consumers are immeasurable. Many crops cannot be produced without assistance from professional beekeepers and managed honeybees. Beekeepers are dealing with many different issues that impact the health and sustainability of their bee colonies. Bee loss due to theft presents an additional challenge in meeting California’s very large pollination needs. In turn, it can jeopardize production and increase food costs.
Theft of bees and beehives is a serious issue for California beekeepers, for farmers who rely on pollinators and for consumers who like to eat.
During California’s busy pollination season, millions of beehives are placed in orchards throughout the state to pollinate almonds, cherries, strawberries, melons, alfalfa, seeds and many other crops. Demand for bees is high at that time of year and some farmers may be desperate for bees to place in their crops. There are always people looking to cash in on this opportunity.
According to the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force, California has experienced an 87% increase in hive thefts since 2013. Since 2013. A total of 10,000 hives have been reported as stolen valued at over $3,500,000.00. Many other beehive theft incidents go unreported.
The cost to beekeepers who are victims of theft can be quite high. A single stolen hive is valued at a minimum of $350. When replacement and loss of productivity are considered, theft can mean a loss of up to $1,000 per hive for commercial beekeepers.
Costs to farmers and consumers are immeasurable. Many crops cannot be produced without assistance from professional beekeepers and managed honeybees. Beekeepers are dealing with many different issues that impact the health and sustainability of their bee colonies. Bee loss due to theft presents an additional challenge in meeting California’s very large pollination needs. In turn, it can jeopardize production and increase food costs.
According to the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force, California has experienced an 87% increase in hive thefts since 2013.
Hive Theft Q & A
What is the penalty for stealing bees?
Bees are considered livestock and in California they are protected by a law that makes stealing just one animal a felony crime.
In addition, those convicted of bee theft must pay restitution and fines.
What is being done to prevent bee theft?
A special California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force has been created to help prevent bee hive theft and track stolen property. Each year, CSBA works with the Task Force to publish and regularly update a list of hives that have been reported as stolen. The most recent list can be found here.
CSBA also offers a reward of $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of perpetrators who steal one of their member’s beehives.
Many beekeepers today are utilizing technology to prevent bee theft. Some are placing “tracking” devices inside their beehives to notify them if bees are moved. Others are using video surveillance cameras to monitor beehives.
In some areas, beekeepers are collaborating with farmers to pay for security staff who patrol orchards to watch for thieves.
To help reduce hive theft, CSBA has produced a Guide to Preventing Hive Theft with additional information.