Removal of a Honey Bee Hive from Community Property

by Victor Schiro
(Camarillo, Ca. USA)

We live in a neighborhood in southern California, Ventura County. There is a large bee hive that formed just on the other side of our small backyard fence on the community property that aprons the houses on our street. We have a 18 month old baby that is now in well inside the area bees that circle the hive. We are constantly picking up bees that are in his play area, and in the house. We have asked the HOA management to remove the hive. Their response was that it is against California law to remove or touch any bee hive because of the need to encourage bee growth in our state. Is this true? That is my question. Is it true that bee hive removal as described above is not allowed in the State of California? thank you, Vic Schiro

Hi Vic

Thanks for your question. I must admit I've never heard this before. In fact I usually hear the opposite from HOAs they often have the bees exterminated if that is less expensive than having them removed alive. I'm pleased to say I have a number of HOA customers who are enlightened enough to engage me to remove bees in such places.

I have heard that in some places it is illegal to kill a colony of bees unless an attempt has been made to remove them alive, which I support wholeheartedly.

It sounds as though they might have been confusion stemming from the news that bees are experiencing some problems at the moment with Colony Collapse Disorder.

I'm a little concerned that you're having to pick up bees from the ground. Bees don't usually spend much time on the ground unless there is a source of water they're collecting. Is it possible someone has sprayed the hive with something?

I suggest you call your County Apiarist if you have one or State Apiarist. You might also try contacting local beekeepers to see whether they have encountered anything like this before.

I'd be very interested to hear what they say, please keep me posted.

The Bee Guy