"Approximately 3 million bees were found swarming around a man's Queens, N.Y., home on Wednesday night, and were confiscated --  to the relief of his neighbors.

Yi Gin Chen had beehives packed into the backyard -- about 45 hives in total, said Andrew Cote, president of the New York City Beekeepers Association. Cote said Chen, a beekeeper in his native China, had contacted the beekeepers' association earlier in the month for help with the bees because he was trying to sell his Corona, Queens, home.

Anthony Planakis, who heads bee control for the NYPD, told The New York Post of Chen's home, 'Picture 45 dogs in one apartment. It’s cruelty to the bees.'

New York City has ramped up its bee-control efforts recently. Earlier this month, Planakis -- who has been fighting stingers since 1995 -- was promoted from officer to detective by NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelley, and granted a 'bee-mobile' and other equipment, The New York Post reported."

3 million bees seized from Queens, N.Y., man's home
By Elizabeth Chuck


I like this Yi Gin Chen character.  The NYPD, on the other hand, should stay out of the beekeeping business.  Cops arrest bad guys, beekeepers handle bees.

News over the past several years would lead one to believe that there is a massive shortage of bees and that bee pollinated crops are in danger.  But here's an ABC News story about a different kind of problem... too many bees and too many beekeepers.

Bees Out of Control: Beekeeping fad blamed for recent surge of insects.

If you have a bee problem, visit me here.

"THE BEE'S KNEES: Honeybees have taken up residence at the Waldorf-Astoria New York, one of New York City's most famous institutions and a favorite stopover for many U.S. presidents.

DELUXE SWEET: The hotel plans to harvest its own honey and help pollinate plants in the skyscraper-heavy heart of the city, joining a mini beekeeping boom that has taken over hotel rooftops worldwide.

GOING GREEN: Beekeeping is a natural fit for hotels trying to keep up with industrywide pressure to 'go green,' whether it's retrofitting their buildings to make them energy efficient or simply adopting environmentally conscious practices."


News Summary: Posh hotels buzzing with honeybees
By The Associated Press


Speaking of hotels and honey...