My neighbors...

Candiebears · May 18, 2015, 11:24:55 AM

So I have these neighbors... that are... Freaking out because I 'May or may not" have bees... They're two houses down from me and have been poking and prying for me to give them a yes or no answer..

These people, are my (grandparent) in-laws.

Because of them, I now have to install no trespassing signs and a security camera to make sure they don't come in and spray my bees with pesticides.

Michael Bush · May 18, 2015, 11:30:41 AM

Game cameras have gotten pretty inexpensive...

Candiebears · May 18, 2015, 11:40:38 AM

Quote from: Michael Bush on May 18, 2015, 11:30:41 AM
Game cameras have gotten pretty inexpensive...

That's what I'm looking into.. I just can't even believe their giving me a hard time!

Dallasbeek · May 18, 2015, 11:42:27 AM

Oh, boy! You are in a bad situation. With anybody else, you could explain the consequences of their possible actions as being possibly criminal and definitely actionable in civil suit. With a family relationship, you can only try to educate. Is someone allergic to bee stings, to the point that if stung, they would risk death? If not, try to educate them about the benefits, such as every third bite of food they eat exists because of bees and only because of bees, for example.

I see you're in New Jersey, so you shouldn't have Africanized genetics involved unless you bought bees from the South, so your bees should be gentle. Try to keep them that way.

If your bees go on their property, they'll have zero interest in the people because they'll be focused on nectar and pollen. If the people leave the bees alone, the bees will be no threat. If they swat at a bee, it might sting in defence. Otherwise, they should be no problem.

Be sure your bees have a reliable source of water on your property so they won't be going on neighbors' property for water.

If someone is, in fact, allergic, you might want to rethink having bees. Otherwise, I'd fess up about having bees, show them the hive(s) and promise them some honey come harvest time.

Candiebears · May 18, 2015, 11:54:14 AM

My GF-I/L had a HUGE wasps nest up all last year. They chased my kids and where everywhere.

My girls are very nice. My husband in fact will be talking to people (like his parents) and slowly walk back. While he's standing at the hive... he'll say.. have they bothered you? Usually people don't know their anywhere near the bees. My three year old flails and screams.. and I think scares the bees, so they flee.. Lol.

I don't think anyone is allergic and with them I don't think education would be best. Their vicious people who are always miserable and have no sense of boundaries. :(

So this weekend the posted signs go up along with the security camera! They are of no relation to me.. so I have no qualms pressing charges for Trespassing!

Quote from: Dallasbeek on May 18, 2015, 11:42:27 AM
Oh, boy! You are in a bad situation. With anybody else, you could explain the consequences of their possible actions as being possibly criminal and definitely actionable in civil suit. With a family relationship, you can only try to educate. Is someone allergic to bee stings, to the point that if stung, they would risk death? If not, try to educate them about the benefits, such as every third bite of food they eat exists because of bees and only because of bees, for example.

I see you're in New Jersey, so you shouldn't have Africanized genetics involved unless you bought bees from the South, so your bees should be gentle. Try to keep them that way.

If your bees go on their property, they'll have zero interest in the people because they'll be focused on nectar and pollen. If the people leave the bees alone, the bees will be no threat. If they swat at a bee, it might sting in defence. Otherwise, they should be no problem.

Be sure your bees have a reliable source of water on your property so they won't be going on neighbors' property for water.

If someone is, in fact, allergic, you might want to rethink having bees. Otherwise, I'd fess up about having bees, show them the hive(s) and promise them some honey come harvest time.

Dallasbeek · May 18, 2015, 12:09:41 PM

Okay, some people are just jerks. Still, your signs and cemeras will only serve to help you prosecute them, but if they used pesticides, the bees would be dead. In that case, I'd let them know in no uncertain terms that actions bring consequences. In other words, I guess "educate" them about your rights and that if they do anything to your bees, you will act. Bees are protected by law as livestock in most states. I'm sure you'll get some words of wisdom from some other NJ beekeepers pretty quickly, about NJ law and such.

Candiebears · May 18, 2015, 12:12:37 PM

Thank you!! :) I'm going to research that law!!

Quote from: Dallasbeek on May 18, 2015, 12:09:41 PM
Okay, some people are just jerks. Still, your signs and cemeras will only serve to help you prosecute them, but if they used pesticides, the bees would be dead. In that case, I'd let them know in no uncertain terms that actions bring consequences. In other words, I guess "educate" them about your rights and that if they do anything to your bees, you will act. Bees are protected by law as livestock in most states. I'm sure you'll get some words of wisdom from some other NJ beekeepers pretty quickly, about NJ law and such.

tjc1 · May 18, 2015, 10:06:09 PM

When I went to bee school through our local club, the importance of good neighbor policy was stressed. It's best to let your neighbors know ahead of time that you have/will be getting bees. You can tell them that it is unlikely they will ever see your bees, and invite them over for a look -see, as well as promise some honey at harvest. You can also explain nicely (if it becomes necessary) that it is a permitted activity in your area (check with your town's ordinances to be sure of what they say).

KeyLargoBees · May 19, 2015, 08:45:24 AM

TJC1 if you read her posts (and read between the lines some) this sounds like an ongoing familial situation where they (the grand parent in laws) are looking for a reason to be bitchy...I don't think its really the bees fault and they are being used as an excuse......Good luck Candi and let us know how it all shakes out ;-)

Michael Bush · May 19, 2015, 09:08:31 AM

> It's best to let your neighbors know ahead of time that you have/will be getting bees.

I strongly disagree. To you neighbors it's like telling them a Martian is moving in with you. They have no idea what it means and their imaginations often create issues you can avoid. When you just get bees and don't tell them it's usually a year later when the finally notice and by then all those things they feared have already NOT come to pass. I would keep it a secret as long as possible.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beestencommandments.htm#originaltwo

D Coates · May 19, 2015, 02:02:57 PM

I agree with Mr. Bush. Keep it quiet as long as you can. You'll get blamed for ever stinging insect issue that shows up by busy bodies. If/when it gets out make sure to share some honey.

Kathyp · May 19, 2015, 04:22:14 PM

Quote> It's best to let your neighbors know ahead of time that you have/will be getting bees.

I strongly disagree.

I agree with your disagreement!

unless people can see into your yard and see your hives, they'll never know they are there if you are taking care of things. no reason to borrow trouble. lets face it, most people are stupid. no point feeding stupid.

Dallasbeek · May 19, 2015, 04:41:55 PM

Okay, I'll yield the point, but the in-laws already suspect is why I felt as I did.

Gary

Michael Bush · May 19, 2015, 05:45:37 PM

Don't get me wrong. If I were doing something that the neighbors can grasp, I would probably inform them. Like getting horses or a dog. It's just that they can't even imagine what it means that you are getting bees and so you are not really helping them with that information, only confusing and scaring them instead.

Geoff · May 19, 2015, 07:07:26 PM

Wise words again Mr. Michael Bush.

tjc1 · May 19, 2015, 07:54:41 PM

Interesting perspective - I guess I can see how that would be. When I told my neighbors, they were interested and seemed pleased to have been told. They always ask how the bees are doing - and have loved the honey, of course!

rookie2531 · May 19, 2015, 09:14:01 PM

Something must have already clued them in on it. Maybe excitement talk? People don't just start asking others if they got bees or not. So, with the reading between the lines here, they pretty much know you have them or wandering if you got them yet?

Once out of the bag, its out. And if they really want you to not have them, then all the other neighbors will know too. (As they will complain about you and your bees).

Sucks to to have haters in life, sucks even more when its family.
Sometimes you just have to draw a line and if they cross it, cut the rope.

BeeMaster2 · May 19, 2015, 09:49:12 PM

I made the mistake of letting my neighbors know I was planning on getting bees. All my neighbors were fine with it but my neighbor right next door. He went berserk and even went as far to threaten to kill me if his wife got stung. That was 6 years ago and we are still not talking.
My dad had 5 hives on his roof for 5 years when a neighbor asked him if he was still thinking about getting bees.
I go with not telling them.
Jim

D Coates · May 21, 2015, 10:49:13 AM

Quote from: sawdstmakr on May 19, 2015, 09:49:12 PM
I made the mistake of letting my neighbors know I was planning on getting bees. All my neighbors were fine with it but my neighbor right next door. He went berserk and even went as far to threaten to kill me if his wife got stung. That was 6 years ago and we are still not talking.
My dad had 5 hives on his roof for 5 years when a neighbor asked him if he was still thinking about getting bees.
I go with not telling them.
Jim

Wholly shnikeys, kill you? Was this the first time he gave you hunts of being unstable? Do you have bees at your home? I'd almost have to get bees at my home at that point (I do have them there) just to show I'll not be intimidated by threats.

What if she gets stung by a wasp, bumblebee, or something else? Is he the type of guy to act upon threats or is he a chest thumper? I'd still give that guy a jar of honey (to try to keep the peace and try to open sane conversation) every year but a definite wide birth. A jar of honey is a great ice breaker.

Years ago I had a older neighbor who I got along with go after my wife verbally because she was the neighborhood association bookkeeper. Dues had been raised from $40 to $50 as maintenance costs had gone up as volunteers had gone down, notices were sent out by the secretary, and she was merely where you sent them. We had words when he called back to give her more of his mind. After that I was cordial but nothing more. About a year later he apologized and our relationship resumed, but I was a still guarded.

BeeMaster2 · May 21, 2015, 01:33:40 PM

D,
This was not the first episode. I had been trying to keep things friendly. The first week I put my first hive in the opposite neighbors yard. Then he made a few snide remarks asking me if I was also going to raise rattlesnakes. When I brought my second hive home it went into my yard.
I did give his wife a jar of honey last year and she did say that they really enjoyed it.
Jim