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Beekeepers Feel The Sting Of California's Great Hive Heist

Beehives in an apiary Daniel Milchev/Getty Images hide caption

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Daniel Milchev/Getty Images

Beekeepers Feel The Sting Of California's Great Hive Heist

KVPR

June 27, 2017 • This year authorities uncovered a "beehive chop shop:" nearly $1 million in stolen hives in a field in Fresno County. There's money to be made by renting out bees to orchards, and thefts are rising.

Beekeepers Feel The Sting Of California's Great Hive Heist

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The Colony-Killing Mistake Backyard Beekeepers Are Making

The healthy bees managed by Jonathan Garaas are checked every two weeks for signs of a possible mite infestation. Dan Gunderson/MPR News hide caption

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Dan Gunderson/MPR News

The Colony-Killing Mistake Backyard Beekeepers Are Making

MPR News

August 12, 2016 • Bee experts warn that novices may be inadvertently putting their hives in danger by not keeping the mite population in check.

Beekeepers Feel The Sting Of Stolen Hives

Between January and March, beekeepers send millions of hives to California to pollinate almond trees. A sign in this almond orchard warns it is patrolled — a measure to combat rising beehive thefts. Barbara Rich/Getty Images hide caption

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Barbara Rich/Getty Images

The Salt

Beekeepers Feel The Sting Of Stolen Hives

June 6, 2016 • Beekeepers make money renting out hives to pollinate crops. But in California, thefts are on the rise. That's led to a hive shortage that is driving up demand, costs — and more thefts.