Oversized beehive found in F-section

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

At the start of the month, Cody Pest Control Inc. Owner John Cody stumbled across a rare find at the F-section home of one of his customers.

He found a honeybee hive suspended in a magnolia tree. The hive was massive: about 3 feet long and 2 feet wide.

At the request of the state apiary inspectors, Cody “depopulated” the hive. Florida is considered “Africanized,” meaning honeybees have been crossed with African, or “killer,” bees, Cody explained, and all hives are required to be destroyed.

“I still feel guilty when I am called upon to destroy a hive of bees,” he added. “The intricate detail and architecture, created by the unison of 40,000 to 50,000 bees working together to create a work of art, is totally amazing, especially when you see thousands of perfectly formed cells comprising a hive.”

The hive, which Cody says is the first he has ever seen suspended in an open tree with honey-filled cones, is estimated by the state to be only 6 to 8 weeks old.

Donning a full bee suit, Cody removed the hive at night, when bees tend to be more docile.

Cody Pest Control has been in business in Flagler 26 years. Additional photos can be viewed at www.CodyPestControl.com.

For more, call 437-3479.