The honey "gold rush" has seen Marlborough overpopulated with bees, says a commercial honey farmer. Too many colonies mean bees are competing for food sources, which can lead to colony losses. The parasitic varroa mite, which can weaken and destroy bee colonies, was discovered in New Zealand in 2000 and reached Marlborough hives by 2006. Bush said the overpopulation of bees in Marlborough showed there were too many bee keepers or beehives in parts of the region. SCOTT HAMMOND/STUFF Murray Bush says the honey "gold rush" has seen Marlborough overpopulated with bees.

Source: Stuff October 03, 2019 15:56 UTC