Beehive thieves on the loose in Ladysmith and surrounding areas
Speaking to local bee and snake catcher Zam Paulik, he says that 54 of his hives have been smashed and the honey stolen
Who would think of stealing or destroying a beehive? Well, that’s what farmers and the community at large are dealing with. Many beehives are being stolen on farms in the Ladysmith area, while other hives are smashed and the honey stolen.
Speaking to local bee and snake catcher Zam Paulik, he says that 54 of his hives have been smashed and the honey stolen. “The value of a beehive is roughly R1400 new, without bees,” explains Mr Paulik. He continues that these honey thieves don’t seem to be afraid of demolishing the hives to steal the honey.
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“It can be life-threatening if you are attacked by a swarm of bees. I wear a special suit and use a ‘smoke machine’ when removing large and dangerous bee hives or swarms from people’s homes.”
64-year-old Mr Paulik had a nasty and painful experience a few months ago when he was attacked by a swarm of potentially deadly bees.
“Bees are very protective of their hive, so I am surprised that people out there are poking around where they could get seriously hurt,” adds Mr Paulik.
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