NewsCalifornia News

Actions

Beekeepers turn to anti-theft technology as hive thefts rise

Beehive Thefts
Posted

WOODLAND, Calif. (AP) — About a thousand beehives worth hundreds of thousands of dollars have been reported stolen across California in the past few weeks.

It's a crime that occurs uniquely in the state this time of year when almond trees start to bloom. That's when beekeepers from around the United States truck billions of honeybees to California to rent them to growers who depend on the insects to pollinate their valuable crop.

Experts say a tightening bee supply and the soaring cost to rent a hive is motivating the thieves. Beekeepers are turning to GPS tracking devices, surveillance cameras and other anti-theft technology to protect their precious colonies.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Saturday

06/21/2025

Clear

-° / 57°

0%

Sunday

06/22/2025

Clear

87° / 60°

0%

Monday

06/23/2025

Mostly Clear

91° / 65°

0%

Tuesday

06/24/2025

Clear

95° / 67°

0%

Wednesday

06/25/2025

Clear

98° / 70°

0%

Thursday

06/26/2025

Clear

103° / 71°

0%

Friday

06/27/2025

Clear

102° / 71°

0%

Saturday

06/28/2025

Clear

102° / 72°

0%