A Sweet Heist Gone Wrong

In a bizarre turn of events, a Canadian beekeeper found herself in a frantic battle against a relentless swarm of "robber bees" trying to steal her precious honey. Christine McDonald, owner of Rushing River Apiaries in Terrace, British Columbia, was shocked to walk into her shop and discover it crawling with thousands of these intruders.

Panic Amidst the Buzz

"I felt completely panicked... thousands of bees everywhere! I had no clue where they were coming from, but I knew I had to protect my honey," McDonald recounted in an interview with CBC News. This honey heist comes on the heels of hot, dry summers, which typically trigger a 'nectar gap' — a scarcity of floral resources, prompting bees to raid rival hives for food.

The Intensity of Fall Beekeeping

"Fall beekeeping is incredibly intense," McDonald explains. "We have to ensure our bees stay safe from other bees and wasps while managing their food supplies for the winter." While she'd seen similar raids in her outdoor hives, this was the first time invaders had targeted her shop.

Expert Advice: How to Combat a Robbing Frenzy

Beekeeping experts warn that once a hive is under attack, stopping the chaos is no small feat. Their advice? Cover hives with damp blankets to deter invaders. Dancing chaos ensues when robber bees invade; they not only kill resident bees but may even decimate the queen. They have a knack for tearing open wax cells to access honey, which attracts even more aggressive pests like wasps and hornets.

A Clever Defense Strategy

In a stroke of ingenuity, McDonald managed to stave off disaster. She covered her equipment with a tarp while cleverly sacrificing her bathroom as a trap for the buzzing thieves. By keeping the lights on, she redirected the bees away from the honey, allowing her some much-needed time to figure out how they had entered her shop. It turned out they had sneaked in through a gap in the door frame, which she’s since sealed.

Victory at Last!

After days of tension, the relentless robbery finally ceased. "I think they’ve learned that there’s no food left here," McDonald said, relieved. "We’ve sealed them out for good!" This dramatic encounter showcases the thrilling—and sometimes chaotic—life of a beekeeper as she protects her hardworking colony from nature’s fiercest honey thieves.