Reading an electricity meter is not easy when a hive of bees guard it.
Henry Brown (70) and his wife Madalene of Northwold know this because bees have made a hive inside their electricity box.
The bees set up residence about four months ago and have been a cause for concern because the swarm has already ventured en masse into the garage once, and the couple’s granddaughter was stung in the swimming pool.
“One Sunday the swarm came into the garage,” Brown said. “We had visitors and we all had to rush inside the house. We came back after a few hours and they were gone.”
“Our grandchildren, extended family and neighbours come here to swim and I am worried that someone who is allergic will be stung. We don’t let them swim if we are not here”
The box is right outside the property and measures the electricity usage of the Brown’s residence as well as the house next door. So far only Brown’s seven-year-old granddaughter has been stung.
“The meter readers leave it alone. They estimate the bill. The gardener has also not been stung.”
Brown reported the situation to City Power and was told the entity was limited in its ability to resolve the situation because it was not an electrical problem, but a technical one.
Nevertheless City Power said it would investigate the problem. Brown contacted beekeeper Rassie Erasmus to help solve the issue.
“I can gas the bees,” Erasmus said. “But if it makes the honey melt and drop on the live wires it can cause a short circuit that will endanger people in the house anywhere near lights and appliances. I would have to first warn the owners to turn off all appliances before I do it.”
Details: City Power 011 375 5555.
Bees are still in the meter box.