SocietyMore than 800,000 bees stolen across far north Queensland in ‘sophisticated’ operation

An estimated 800,000 bees have been stolen from multiple properties in far north Queensland, involving 44 colonies and losses worth tens of thousands of dollars. The alleged thieves used specialist equipment to remove brood boxes while leaving hives looking intact. Apiarists also face lost pollination contracts as the region contends with varroa mites.

bee theftQueenslandbeekeepingvarroa mite

TThe Guardian★★☆☆☆2026-09-21 00:00Original