Neighbor relations is an important
consideration whether you’re living on 100
acres or a city lot. Having a barking dog is
probably the number one way of earning
someone’s ire, but bringing in a beehive, or
two, might be a close second if you live with
neighbors close by.
While most people understand and appreciate
the benefit of honey bees, and gardeners in
the neighborhood will undoubtedly enjoy the
results of their hard work, having fifty-plus
thousand stinging insects taking up residence
next door can cause issues. Having bees can
make your neighbors love you, or hate you,
depending on how you handle it.
As with most activities that impact others,
if you’re going to bring in honey bees, talk
to your nearest neighbors before they see
you mulling around your backyard wearing
a bee suit. And be prepared to discuss the
realities of keeping bees, especially in urban
or suburban areas, since honey bees illicit
a hot or cold response, depending on their
perceptions. Either people welcome them
because they understand their typically docile
nature and look forward to a bountiful garden,
or they’re innately fearful of a sting. This initial
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