I keep my bees on my personal property which is located in the middle of many farm fields. As the fields are cultivated, migratory hives come and go. I don't mind the influx of pests that come along with these hives so much as when the hives remain on the fields long after the fields have been tilled.
This guy has left his 20-30 hives in the middle of 200+ acres of dirt. It's been over a month since the squash was tilled under. This irritates me because we have a nice batch of alfalfa that's been blooming, and I'm wondering if he left his hives out there for the alfalfa. My question is, does he have the right to leave them out there?
I have 15 hives, he's got something around 25. There's a couple tree farms in the area and lots of empty farm fields. We're located South of Miami, FL. Normally I collect honey every month to two months. Yesterday I went out and collected 1/2 the usual amount after waiting 2 and a half months. Yes, the alfalfa is petering out, but that means next month there should be less, not this month.
I already contacted the inspector, but he's a busy guy. Anyone have any idea as to what is the proper protocol for the migratory beekeeper?
Thanks.