What Happens If You Don’t Remove Honey After a Bee Hive?
When a beehive is removed from your home, many homeowners assume the problem is solved. The bees are gone, so there’s no more danger—right? Not exactly. While removing the bees is a crucial first step, leaving the honeycomb and honey behind can lead to serious problems.
At Eco Bee Removal, we’ve seen this mistake happen many times, and it often leads to bigger issues (and higher repair costs) later on. In this post, we’ll explain why honey removal is just as important as bee removal, the potential damage leftover honey can cause, and how professional bee removal services handle the process safely and effectively.
1. Honey Attracts New Bees and Pests
Honey may seem harmless, but to other bees, it’s an open invitation. If the honeycomb is left inside your walls, attic, or soffit, it can attract:
Scout bees are looking for a new nesting site
Other honey bee colonies that may quickly move in
Ants, cockroaches, and wasps are drawn to the sweet smell
This can result in a never-ending cycle where you remove one hive, only for another to move in a few weeks or months later. The only way to fully prevent infestation is to remove the honeycomb and seal the entry points.
2. Honey Melts and Leaks, Causing Property Damage.
"Hidden honeycomb behind the wall during the bee removal."
Honey is thick and sticky, but it’s also temperature-sensitive. In warm climates like Florida, the honey inside a leftover hive can melt and drip down your walls or ceilings, causing:
Permanent stains on drywall or ceilings
Warped wood and damage to structural framing
Sticky, unpleasant messes that are hard to clean
Foul smells as the honey ferments over time
Repairing these issues often costs much more than properly cleaning and removing the hive in the first place.
3. Fermentation Creates Odor and Mold.
When honey is left behind, it doesn’t stay fresh forever. Over time, the honeycomb begins to ferment, releasing a sour smell. The wax can also trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold growth.
This can lead to:
Strong, unpleasant odors throughout the house
Mold spores are spreading into your HVAC system
Potential health risks for people with allergies or asthma
Removing the honeycomb helps prevent these health concerns and keeps your home safe and clean.
4. Structural Damage Worsens Over Time.
Honeycomb is surprisingly heavy. Large hives can weigh 50 pounds or more. If left in your walls or attic, this weight can put pressure on drywall, insulation, and framing. Over time, it may cause:
Ceiling sagging or collapse
Soft spots in drywall
Damage to insulation reduces energy efficiency
By removing the honey right after bee removal, you prevent this hidden damage from turning into a major repair bill.
5. Rodent and Wildlife Attraction.
The sweet smell of honey doesn’t just attract insects—it can also draw mice, rats, raccoons, and other wildlife looking for an easy meal. Once rodents find their way in, you may have a whole new pest problem to deal with, including droppings, gnawed wires, and contamination.
6. Insurance May Not Cover Damage.
Another thing homeowners don’t always realize is that home insurance may not cover damage from neglected honeycomb. Many policies consider ongoing damage preventable if the hive wasn’t properly cleaned out after bee removal.
That means failing to act quickly can leave you paying for all repairs out of pocket.
7. How Professionals Remove Honey Safely.
At Eco Bee Removal, we follow a detailed process to ensure your home is completely safe after a hive is removed. This includes:
Locating the honeycomb using thermal cameras, if needed
Carefully cutting open the affected area (walls, soffits, or roof)
Removing all honey, wax, and debris
Cleaning and sanitizing the area to eliminate residue
Repairing and sealing the opening to prevent future bees from moving in
This thorough approach protects your home from future infestations, damage, and unwanted pests.
8. The Cost of Not Removing Honey.
Some homeowners hesitate to pay for honey removal because it adds to the initial bee removal cost. But in reality, skipping this step often leads to higher costs down the road, such as:
Paying for multiple bee removals
Repairing stained walls and ceilings
Mold remediation and odor removal
Structural repairs for sagging drywall
Spending a little more up front can save you hundreds or even thousands later.
9. Eco-Friendly Honey Disposal.
"Beekeeper safely removing honeycomb during eco-friendly bee removal."
We believe in eco-friendly solutions, even when honey must be removed. Whenever possible, we:
Donate clean honeycomb to local beekeepers for reuse
Compost unusable honey and wax responsibly
Avoid harmful chemicals that could affect your home or the environment
This way, you can feel good knowing your bee removal process helps protect pollinators and the planet.
Final Thoughts
Removing bees is only part of the solution. Leaving behind honey and honeycomb creates ongoing risks, from new bee infestations to costly property damage.
If you’ve recently had a hive removed or suspect you have a hive inside your walls, contact a professional bee removal service that includes honeycomb removal and cleanup as part of their process.
