This cat has attacked my son twice now, not the cats' fault. Their son has tormented this poor cat ever since they got it, it's mean. We've all said things to the parents and the child, but it falls on deaf ears. This cat has targeted my son now, my son is very gentle with animals, the first time was SO awful, he had to go to the hospital and get rabies shots- the cat had never been to a vet. He sunk his teeth into my sons' foot, and in a matter of an hour, it swelled from his foot to above his knee. It was very traumatic for all of us, our son is also Autistic, these people didn't care what happened to him, they were told to keep the cat indoors, and within days, the cat was back out. This last time, the cat attacked him on the back of his legs, I EXPLODED!!! My son has been terrified to go outside because of this animal, we are thinking about getting a lawyer, I'm tired of dealing with this. So far, the cat escaped once, but they retrieved him back inside, so I'm waiting for them to get lax again, if they do, it's all bets off, I am not going to have my son being afraid to play outdoors. It's like the cat knows my son is easy prey, he only goes after him, maybe it senses the fear he has. I don't know, but I will not continue to tolerate this from these people.

Thanks, this is helpful. I live in Albuquerque, NM, zone 7a. I can't say that I know anybody else here in Albuquerque that has bees, but I know we have a beekeeping group or two. So, I do think I'll go join one of them, just haven't gotten to it yet. I just happened to be at a city council meeting last summer when all of the beekeepers were there, and the council declared ABQ a "bee friendly city" That's what sparked this idea. I suppose I may be able to put the hive in the front yard, but it would be in the blazing hot sun in the summer, it can get to a hundred degrees here easily. Also it would be highly visible in a somewhat rough neighborhood, and right next to an elementary school. though it would be the required 50 feet away, I don't think the crabby parents would be too happy. What do you think? I'm juts trying to decide if it's actually practical to do this at my house, or if i need to put it at my parents house 2 hours away. I really want the local honey from the city, as it will be a great help to my allergies. Thanks!

I'm saving links/urls and reading and trying to wrap my head around the plethora of information. Thank you all for sharing the links. I feel much more comfortable using reference material that others actually recommend first-hand, rather than a web search that could turn up erroneous material. A few years ago there were some local posts about bees - like in people's walls that they wanted out, but while I had an interest, I had absolutely no clue how to go about collecting them (and as yet, still don't). I have NEVER seen a swarm where I'm at - all I have noted is that I went from seeing some honeybees (gathering nectar from the spots of clover growth - unfortunately some of them killed by accident when stepped on or getting into a shoe) with some regularity but not en masse, to thinking the last honeybee I saw was ONE last year... ONE... horrible, huh? While I understand the sense in capturing a swarm that is unwanted somewhere else (there haven't been anymore local posts like that in a long time), truthfully - based upon my reading in the past and the fact that one (out of four) of my kids is more sensitive/allergic to stings than "most people", I think I would prefer (preference not necessarily meaning it will turn out that way) to get a specific type of honeybee that is known for being "less aggressive". I remembered at least that much from past reading - different types being rated on their nature. I would have to re-read to know which ones were which of course, but I figure I have time. I can scavenge materials for building hives. The only thing I don't feel confident about is jumping into 2 or "even better" 3 right off the bat. I understand the sense of it in the event of something happening and one or another needing some help, but at the same time, jumping right in like that would automatically have me tackling more than I think I'm ready for. Since it will probably be next Spring (???) before it would be "the time" for acquiring "starter stock", I guess I've got time to think on it and weigh things out. While there is unquestionably a shortage of honeybees - we don't seem to be lacking with wasps, carpenter bees, some bumblebees, etc. Would siting a hive or three on the property have an effect with these other insects? I mean I'd happily give up the wasps and hornets and such, but by the same token, would these other types of "bees" pose any sort of threat to honeybees? I've seen other species of critters (generically speaking, but not in reference to bees) compete with one another and territory. If this would be an issue; honeybees I intentionally brought in, is there anything I should or could do to protect the honeybees from other insects? (I suss that other types of bees/wasps/hornets wouldn't be the only insect that could be a threat or problem for honeybees and their hives) There's a section of the property that I could probably get tilled (with a tractor, way too much to handle with a hand-tiller) and sow that is "wide open" and full sun... right now that section is all-natural with a mix of grasses, "weeds", and some small spots of clover dotting it. What would you all recommend as a "choice" plant to sow it with (it would still be mixed because I won't use a blanket poison to kill what already exists there and tilling wouldn't nix all of the stuff either) for honeybees? I know there's more than just "clover" as a crop for them.... and I'm trying to think-ahead in that I would like to still mow (it's enough space that I mow with a tractor and bush-hog) it. I get less than positive comments when I let it grow up completely (because it looks like it should be baled :) so *ideally* I'd like something that would still bloom for honeybees but not grow terribly tall. I don't mind letting it grow to say around 6 inches tall - give or take, but the shorter while still being able to bloom, would be better. That area is also a section of the property that is used by multiple canines and people for recreation - so would I encounter issues between "us" and honeybees for use of the space or ...? I'm not explaining this very well I'm afraid. I'm just trying to keep everyone happy, ya know? We need to be able to live in harmony with the honeybees - rather than me ending up with complaints from "everyone else" about the honeybees. (hence, all of my questions and research before I jump in) I *might* be able to arrange fair use of another small chunk of property owned by family that could be sown for honeybees and hives kept there - but in the event that I could use that, the competition I already know I would encounter for the bees, would be deer and rabbits grazing. They feel totally safe grazing there and my family actually spent the last several years putting out corn for the deer and providing them with water as well. I only have sporadic and late-night visits from the deer myself as they are far more cautious on my property because of the dogs who usually don't ignore their presence except late at night. The deer and rabbits though, especially when we have high heat and drought like now, become incredibly bold in their quest for high-moisture content greens and will come right up to the homes - they pretty much destroyed shrubs and other plants last year and beginning this year that they had never before bothered and even "deer resistant" plants (that taste bad). So I have a concern about them eating everything intended to grow and bloom for bees.

jmonette1, I see you're in southern Calif, which is in Africanized bee (AHB) territory (as your posting seems to indicate that you're aware). I've got some experience with them (AHB), and as the previous two posters have advised, I would recommend that you not leave them in place either. From your description, the current bees you've got are undoubtedly European honeybees (EHB - the desireable kind). If they haven't attacked a barking dog or someone mowing grass nearby, then they're not likely AHB - even though the nest is in the open (which is unusual but does happen on occasion, as pointed out previously). Here's the real danger: since AHB are dominate in any area they move into, the long term prospect of this colony staying EHB, is very slim. When (not IF) AHB take over this hive, they will pose a deathly danger to your dog and/or cat (at a minimum). And it doesn't take much to "set them off" - certainly, something as simple as a dog barking can do it; not to mention a lawnmower! I, likewise, would recommend you contact a local beekeeping club and see if you can get a 'volunteer' to come out and collect up this colony. Describe to them, what you've said here and let them know they're not inside a structure (wall of a house) but be honest when they ask how far off the ground they're located. The main thing is to not let them stay around very long (the bees...not the beekeepers).