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Local beekeeper urges county to adopt live‑removal policy for honeybee colonies
Summary
A Brazos County beekeeper told commissioners the region is experiencing heavy colony losses and asked the court to direct county responders to contact live bee removers instead of exterminators for non‑emergency calls.
Chris Barnes, a Brazos County resident and beekeeper, asked the commissioners court to adopt a policy directing county departments and emergency responders to contact live bee removal specialists for nuisance honeybee calls rather than using pest control firms that destroy colonies.
Barnes said local beekeepers are experiencing large losses—he cited national losses of roughly 1.25 million colonies since last June and reported average losses of about 65% for some commercial pollinators—while stressing that he was not advocating any limitation on responses to true emergency situations in which people are being attacked. He suggested three sources the county could use for live removers: the Texas Association of Professional Bee Removers, the Brazos Valley Beekeepers Club, and local professionals (including himself).
Why it matters: Honeybee pollination supports agricultural production and local beekeepers said preserving colonies when safe to do so protects pollination services. The request is procedural and would affect how non‑emergency nuisance calls involving bees are handled.
What the court did: Barnes' remarks were heard during citizen comment. The transcript shows no formal motion or directive from the court at this meeting.
Ending: Barnes left contact information for follow‑up; commissioners did not announce a change in policy during the session.
