Bee box vandalism in Fresno County

They’re the critters that keep the world moving.

The valley is home to over 500,000 beehives, over 2 million during peak pollination season.

They’re responsible for helping pollinate crops like almonds, strawberries and more.

But many beekeepers say these small creatures have become big targets.

“I got a call from a farmer that said ‘hey did you guys pull these hives out,'” said beekeeper Ben Zetner. “No they’re still supposed to be there. We ended up having a hundred and twenty eight hives go missing.”

Beekeepers tell me that just one of these boxes is worth about two hundred dollars. When you stack that up on palettes like this, they can go for over a thousand dollars. So that’s why when we see things like hive theft and hive destruction, those losses really sting.

And with rising costs of materials, the damages become even more costly.

Some beekeepers are saying local authorities do little to help.

“The sheriff just comes and says there are no cameras,” said beekeeper Mario Morfin.

Because of this, some beekeepers are calling for tougher laws.

“The laws should be tougher when it comes to not being as flexible,” Morfin said. “When they have the option to pay a small fine and then four, five months pass by. The case gets swept under the rug and it’s done.”

Each season brings new challenges.

But despite the hardships, beekeepers say they won’t stop fighting.