[Ebetancourt]

Hello. I got some new bees. Before I did I checked my local ordinances, there are nothing against bees. No chickens! But no mention of bees.

I live in Carrollton, Texas. My neighbor is really upset with me because we rebuilt our home and can now see her backyard. Before this her two story house could see into our back yard. Don't care, never bothered me, don't know why she hates that we can now.

She called animal services because we brought two hives. Animal services said they are considered an infestation and have to be removed. I asked her for an official document that says bees are a pest or parasites.

Can animal services just declare them an infestation and make you get rid of them? They are in two 10 frame langstroth hives.

 

[Billboard]

I would say no, but you know as i do government does whatever they want. If theres nothing in your local ordinance there's nothing they can do.

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

Infestation is the state of being invaded or overrun by pests or parasites. It can also refer to the actual organisms living on or within a host.
Infestation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InfestationWikipedia

A pollinator is the biotic agent (vector) that moves pollen from the male anthers of a flower to the female stigma of a flower to accomplish fertilization or 'syngamy' of the female gametes in the ovule of the flower by the male gametes from the pollen grain.
Pollinator - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PollinatorWikipedia

The Xerces Society » Pollinator Conservation
www.xerces.org/pollinator-co...
The Xerces Society for Insect Conservation
Pollinators are essential to our environment. The ecological service they provide is necessary for the reproduction of over 85% of the world's flowering plants, ...

In the absence of regulations, it seems like you can appeal this decision to a judge on the grounds that your bees are pollinators not pests.

JMO

Rusty

 

[JRG13]

Call code enforcement, get an official answer.

 

[Rader Sidetrack]

I suggest registering your hives with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS). I'd also see if they can offer advice in this situation.

http://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/


More on the legal situation with bees in Texas: http://learningbeekeeping.com/beekeeping-articles/bee-law-in-texas/

 

[Billboard]

Your nieghbor might even have a friend that works at animal services and is trying to do her a favor. You never know.

 

[suttonbeeman]

Your nieghbor might even have a friend that works at animal services and is trying to do her a favor. You never know.

I have found the best way to proceed with gov regulations is to bee nice, ask questions and if as in most cases they are wrong and trying to push you around I revert to giving them hell including language I cant print here. I usually win when they find Im not backing down.

 

[Ebetancourt]

Thanks for the info. When I talked to the agent, the agent said that bees sting people and they swarm that's why they are an infestation...

/facepalm

 

[dr4ngas]

Ask the agent what part of the infestation they belong to. The human race stings other living things and we move into other areas that we want. Ask them were they should be removed to, I think Antarctic is a nice place for them.

 

[cgybees]

I suggest registering your hives with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS). I'd also see if they can offer advice in this situation.

http://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/


More on the legal situation with bees in Texas: http://learningbeekeeping.com/beekeeping-articles/bee-law-in-texas/

More handy links:
A council movement towards protection of honeybees:
http://dallascityhall.com/government/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/government/Council%20Meeting%20Documents/ECO_SustainableFood_030215.pdf&action=default&DefaultItemOpen=1

An earlier run of the same initiative had intersting info:

• State of Texas regulates certain agricultural activities; City enforcement requires more staff and resources

– State of Texas regulates bee-keeping (apiaries)

» Texas Agriculture Code – Chapter 131

» Texas Administrative Code – Chapter 71

» Texas law, effective January 1, 2012, made it possible for beekeeping to qualify for an agricultural exemption on property taxes*

(link to the tax exemption): http://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/public/agricultural-exemption/

You could also try these guys who seem local: http://www.tvbees.org/p/links.html

 

[stan.vick]

Just say " guess you'll have to write me a citation " and watch them scratch their head, wondering what code to charge you with. They'll most likely go away and leave you alone. If they threaten to destroy the bees themselves, just say " my attorney will be in touch, how do you spell your name ? "

 

[FlowerPlanter]

+1

Also get a game camera and motion detector on your hives, as long as you keep hives there.

 

[Cabin]

Hello. I got some new bees. Before I did I checked my local ordinances, there are nothing against bees. No chickens! But no mention of bees.

I live in Carrollton, Texas. My neighbor is really upset with me because we rebuilt our home and can now see her backyard. Before this her two story house could see into our back yard. Don't care, never bothered me, don't know why she hates that we can now.

She called animal services because we brought two hives. Animal services said they are considered an infestation and have to be removed. I asked her for an official document that says bees are a pest or parasites.

Can animal services just declare them an infestation and make you get rid of them? They are in two 10 frame langstroth hives.

We do not have 'animal services' here but I think they respond to reports of a problem. Most likely your neighbor reported an 'infestation', the officer is paid to respond to the report. Does your community allow livestock in general??? Bees are not a good idea if you do not have a good relationship with your neighbors.

 

[Christina]

The Collin County Beekeepers Association is a large, active group in your area. They should be able to offer some words of wisdom and advice on how to proceed.

 

[Colobee]

:applause: Christina, That's likely to get the best info & quickest reliable results.

 

[Michael Bush]

> When I talked to the agent, the agent said that bees sting people and they swarm that's why they are an infestation...

...and dogs bite people and have puppies... I think Humans are an infestation...

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

I think Humans are an infestation...

Me, too!

Rusty

 

[Ebetancourt]

*Update*

I received a call. I can keep the bees. They are only considered an infestation if they are not in bee boxes. Holes in your house, etc.

 

[Fishmaster50]

Congrats. One for us bee keepers.��

 

[michkel]

:applause: