🐝 What Happens If You Seal a Hive Without Removing It?
When faced with a bee infestation in your home—whether in the wall, attic, soffit, or under a deck—it might seem logical to simply seal the entry point. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Wrong.
Sealing a hive without properly removing the bees, honeycomb, brood, and wax can lead to serious problems. In this blog post, we’ll explore what happens when a hive is sealed without removal, why it’s a mistake many regret, and how to fix it the right way.
🧱 What Homeowners Often Do
A common DIY response to discovering a bee entry point is to plug it up using caulk, foam, concrete, or wood. The logic seems simple: “If the bees can’t get in or out, they’ll go away.”
Unfortunately, that’s not how bee colonies work.
Bees inside an enclosed hive don't just give up and vanish. What happens can result in:
Rotting honey and wax inside your structure
Bad odors and insect infestations
Structural damage from melting honey
Dangerous bee behavior if they find a new exit
Let’s break this down.
🐝 What Happens to the Bees Inside?
When a hive is sealed, thousands of bees are trapped inside without ventilation, escape routes, or access to the outside.
1. The Bees Die
Without airflow, food, or a way to forage, the bees will eventually suffocate or starve. However, this can take days or even weeks, during which time they may become agitated and look for alternate exits—often ending up inside your living space.
2. They Chew Through Walls or Ceilings
Desperate bees may begin to chew through drywall, insulation, or siding to escape. It’s not unusual for homeowners to suddenly find bees inside their bedrooms, kitchens, or vents after sealing a hive.
🍯 What Happens to the Hive Structure?
Even after the bees die or escape, the hive structure remains inside your wall or attic. This includes:
Hidden beehive inside a wall with active bees and honey drip
Honey
Beeswax
Pollen
Brood (baby bees)
Dead bees
1. Honey Begins to Melt
Bees regulate the temperature of the hive. Without them, the honey is left to the mercy of your home’s climate. In warm areas like Florida, the honey can melt, seeping into walls, insulation, and ceilings. This can cause permanent stains and expensive repairs.
2. Attracts Other Pests
Rotting comb, dead bees, and exposed honey attract:
Ants
Cockroaches
Mice
Wax moths
Rats
You’ve now turned your home into a buffet for pests.
3. Strong Odors
As the hive decomposes, it emits strong, unpleasant smells. These odors can travel through the house, making it hard to live comfortably—especially during warmer months.
🔥 Fire Hazard from Wax
Beeswax is highly flammable. If it melts near electrical wiring or light fixtures, it increases the risk of fire. Even if no fire starts, melted wax can coat wires and insulation, posing long-term damage.
💸 Cost of Not Doing It Right
Many homeowners try sealing the hive to save money, but the result is usually more expensive in the long run.
Cost comparison:
Active beehive hidden in wooden structure
Action
Immediate Cost
Long-Term Cost
DIY Sealing
Low
High (repairs, pest control, drywall replacement)
Professional Live Bee Removal
Medium
Low (safe, permanent fix)
✅ The Right Way: Live Bee Removal + Hive Extraction
Professional bee removal companies like Eco Bee Removal use a process called “live bee relocation”. Here’s how it works:
Locate the Hive using tools like thermal cameras or acoustic sensors
Open the Hive Area carefully (e.g., siding, soffit, or wall cavity)
Extract the Entire Colony, including the queen, workers, and drones
Remove All Comb, Brood, and Honey to prevent residue or re-infestation
Clean and disinfect the Space with eco-safe products
Seal and Repair to prevent future colonies
Relocate Bees Safely to a local apiary or protected habitat
This not only saves the bees (critical pollinators) but also protects your home, your wallet, and your health.
⚠️ Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse
Signs you may have already sealed an active hive without removal:
Buzzing sounds inside the walls or ceiling
Dripping stains on walls (from honey)
Bad smells are coming from sealed areas
Increased indoor ant or roach activity
Bees appearing in rooms unexpectedly
If you see any of these, call a bee removal expert immediately.
🐝 Why Choose Eco Bee Removal?
We specialize in eco-friendly bee removal that protects your property and the environment. Our services include:
Free consultations
Thermal imaging for hive detection
Live bee relocation
Full hive and honeycomb removal
Long-lasting sealing and repair
Serving homeowners across Florida, we’ve handled hundreds of real bee removal cases—often fixing DIY sealing disasters.
📋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I just spray the bees before sealing?
No. Spraying bees with insecticide doesn't remove the comb, honey, or dead bees. It creates a bigger mess and still attracts pests.
❓ Will the smell go away on its own?
No. The smell will likely get worse over time as the hive rots and melts, especially during hot seasons.
❓ Can the bees find a new way out?
Yes. If the original entry point is sealed, bees may find gaps, vents, light fixtures, or cracks to escape—often into your home.
❓ Do I need to remove the entire hive?
Yes. Removing only the bees and leaving the comb is a recipe for pests, rot, and re-infestation. All materials must be removed and the area cleaned.
❓ How do I prevent bees from returning?
After removal, sealing the entry points properly and using bee deterrents can prevent future colonies. An annual inspection helps too.
🛑 Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Seal—Remove Safely
Sealing a beehive without removal may seem like a simple fix, but it causes serious and costly consequences. Dead bees, melted honey, strong odors, pest infestations, and potential structural damage are all risks you don’t want.
Instead, opt for eco-friendly live bee removal done by experts. Protect your home, protect the bees, and protect your peace of mind.
📞 Need Help? Call Eco Bee Removal Today!
If you suspect a hidden hive or have accidentally sealed a beehive, don’t wait. We offer safe, fast, and affordable bee removal services across Florida.
👉 Visit: www.ecobeeremoval.com
📍 Service Areas: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, and beyond
📞 Call Now: Free Consultation & Quote
