Bees in 2,300 beehives killed in Brevard County

Loss is about $750,000

Beekeeper in Brevard County learns his hives were poisoned.
Photographer: WESH, NBC NewsChannel
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Posted: 12/13/2011

Dan Billow, WESH

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A beekeeper's business was stung by someone who destroyed thousands of beehives.

Florida law enforcement agents started an investigation Monday into the killing of hundreds of thousands of bees in Brevard County.

In all, investigators said 2,300 beehives were destroyed.

"I just don't have any idea of why anybody would do that," beekeeper David Webb said.

The boxes that hold the hives are now filled with worms and ants.

Their honeycombs are filled with tainted, worthless honey.

Detectives said a specific insecticide was placed in the tank from which the bees were fed.

Investigators believe the insecticide was designed specifically for killing insects like bees.

Webb figures his loss is about $750,000.