HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC (WTOC) -
Hobbyist beekeeper Dr. Pete Markarian says he has no idea just how many bees live in the five-year-old beehive in his backyard. But he does know these bees aren't hurting anyone. Someone disagrees and went to the Indigo Run Homeowner's Association board and complained. They want the bees gone.
"I don't know what I'd say to them because I don't know who complained," said Markarian.
The bees typically just keep to themselves, unless they are bothered. Scientists say European Honey Bees are docile.
"They're busting their buns collecting pollen to make honey. Someone said they have to pollinate up to 1,000 flowers to make just one ounce of honey, it's a huge job," Markarian said.
Markarian said he got the hive about five years ago and he ordered the bees over the Internet and picked them up at the post office.
The same way he got the eviction notice July 20, ordering him to get rid of them by Aug. 5.
"I'm not going to do anything. I'm just going to wait until they come to their senses. I'm going to wait and see if they decide that they probably made a mistake," Markarian said.
Indigo Run said they could not talk about the situation when WTOC called Tuesday.
Markarian said if the person who complained has a bee allergy, then he would get rid of the bees. So far, no one has said that's the case.
If the decision is final and Markarian is forced to get rid of the hive, he says he has already received phone calls from people who will gladly take it.
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