If You See a Massive Beehive, There Are Lots of Kentucky Beekeepers — So Don’t Spray [VIDEOS]

We had a massive beehive up in our great big box elder in the backyard when I was a kid. It was fascinating, yes, but it was too risky to play out there. And, of course, there was always that ONE kid who run and get a broom only to have one of us stop him.

Clearly, taking a broom to a hive or a swarm is the LAST thing you want to do. And if they're bees, you don't want to spray them either. They're too valuable. And that fresh HONEY. Nothing better.

SPRINGTIME IS BEE TIME

Springtime is upon us and it is entirely possible you will see swarms and hives in the months to come. Those little guys are ready to literally spread their wings...or hang out at "home" like the bees in this list of what JP the Beeman says are the five most massive hives he has removed and relocated. It's really fascinating work.

BEEHIVES CAN BECOME MONSTROUS

And I actually DO like watching them work...from a distance. A good distance. Sometimes, the situation can be extreme.

Winnie the Pooh would faint. Oh, and I love what that one guy says early on, "Do you realize how much money is in there?" That's hilarious because I was thinking the exact same thing. I love honey, but, MAN, is it ever pricey.

You know, some of these enormous hives are like artwork.

WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEEHIVE

If YOU encounter a massive swarm or hive--hopefully not like what you've just seen--don't tackle the issue yourself. For one thing, you could be stung. Baseline. But we need the bees because we need to eat. So if this becomes a problem for you this spring and summer, call the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service at 270-685-8480.

When I was a kid, my dad knew someone who kept bees out in the county and I cannot, for the life of me, remember who it was. But he ALWAYS kept us in fresh honey. And it was the best kind...right off the honeycomb.

Lord, now I'm getting hungry for good buttered biscuits and honey.