Rutherford County, TN – Despite growing interest in beekeeping across Rutherford County, local apiarists are facing mounting challenges that threaten their buzzing colonies. From Murfreesboro neighborhoods to rural stretches of Tennessee, some beekeepers have experienced devastating losses, including entire hive die-offs. Factors ranging from pesticide exposure and unpredictable climate to outright theft have created new hurdles for hobbyists and professionals alike.The Rutherford County Beekeepers Association continues to offer support and education through monthly meetings held at 7:00 PM on the first Monday of each month at Lane Agri Park at 315 John R. Rice Boulevard. The next meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2025, where community members can learn more about sustainable beekeeping practices and share their experiences.
Theft or Colony Collapse Disorder
Among the more alarming reports in recent months are cases of beehive theft, with stolen hives valued in the thousands due to their honey production and pollination services. Investigators suspect that some of these thefts may be committed by fellow beekeepers looking to grow their own operations. Meanwhile, colony collapse disorder (CCD) remains a complex and troubling issue—where entire populations of worker bees vanish, leaving behind the queen and immature bees. Local beekeepers have noted CCD-like losses even in the absence of chemical exposure, suggesting a mix of factors including disease, climate instability, and invasive pests like Varroa mites…