Terrible twins hit beekeeping hard

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have dealt harshly with beekeepers in the southern states of the USA -- an important commercial queen-breeding area and over-wintering zone for bees.

One beekeeper reports a loss of 1500 hives to Rita; at least three hobbyists have lost their bees -- and their homes; and many apiaries are currently inaccessible. It will be months before the full impact can be assessed.