Cause Identified In Massive Bee Kill
December 19, 2011 
In September, David Webb found a devastating sight where he tends his beekeeping business in south Brevard County. More than 2,300 of Webb’s bee hives were dead, which he estimates at a $500,000 loss between the bees and honey.
In addition, Charles Smith of Smith Family Honey Company lost 400 bee hives with an estimated value of $150,000, likely after his bees consumed the tainted syrup feedstock from Webb’s hives nearby.
Investigators reported last week that the bees had died from poisoning, not of some natural causes. The insecticide identified is commonly used to kill pests such as roaches, ticks, and fleas. Tests conducted by USDA, shows the insecticide was in the sugar water container used to feed the bees.
Officials say the perpetrator remains unknown, but the investigation continues.
