What Happens If You Don’t Remove Honey After a Bee Hive?
When bees build a hive in your wall, attic, or shed, removing the bees is just the first step. Many homeowners assume that once the bees are gone, the problem is solved. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The honey and wax left behind can create a variety of problems—some messy, some smelly, and some that can damage your home.
In this post, we’ll explore why honey removal is just as important as bee removal, what risks you face if you leave it behind, and how professional bee removal services can prevent future infestations.
The Hidden Dangers of Leftover Honeycomb
Hidden Dangers of Leftover Honeycomb
When a hive is abandoned or the bees are relocated, the honeycomb inside your walls or attic doesn’t just disappear. In fact, without bees to maintain it, the honeycomb quickly becomes a problem.
Here’s what can happen if you don’t remove it:
1. Melting Honey Causes Property Damage
Honeycomb is temperature-sensitive. Inside your home, especially in warm climates like Florida, the honey can melt and seep into drywall, wood, or insulation. This sticky mess stains ceilings and walls and is incredibly difficult to clean.
Over time, honey may attract mold growth, creating additional health hazards and costly repairs.
2. Pest Infestations Get Worse
Honey is a natural attractant for a wide range of pests. Leaving it behind is like leaving an open buffet inside your home. Some of the most common invaders include:
Ants – They can detect honey from a distance and quickly invade your home.
Cockroaches – Drawn to sugary substances, they multiply fast once they find the honey.
Rats & Mice – Rodents may chew through walls to reach the honeycomb.
Moths & Beetles – Wax moths, in particular, will lay eggs and destroy any remaining comb.
These secondary infestations can be much harder to control than the original bee problem.
3. Strong, Unpleasant Odors
Honey left in a hot space ferments over time. When fermentation begins, it releases a sour, unpleasant smell that spreads throughout your home.
Even worse, if moisture enters the wall cavity, the honey can drip and pool, leading to a rancid, moldy smell. This can make living in your home uncomfortable until the honeycomb is removed and the space is cleaned.
4. Attracting New Bee Colonies
The smell of old honeycomb is like a welcome sign for new swarms. Scout bees from nearby colonies may find the abandoned hive and decide to move in.
This means that even after you paid for bee removal once, you might face the same problem again if the honeycomb isn’t cleaned out. Professional live bee removal companies always recommend a full comb extraction to prevent re-infestation.
5. Structural Damage Over Time
Honey and wax can slowly degrade building materials. As honey seeps into wood framing, it can attract carpenter ants or termites, which further weaken the structure.
If left long enough, a large, untreated hive site can lead to sagging drywall, soft spots in ceilings, and even structural rot. What could have been a simple cleanup turns into an expensive home repair project.
Why DIY Honey Removal Is Risky
Some homeowners attempt to remove honeycomb themselves, but this can be messy and dangerous. Here’s why professionals are better suited for the job:
Cutting into walls or ceilings without the right tools can cause unnecessary damage.
Honey is hard to clean completely. If even a small amount is left behind, pests and odors can still become a problem.
Mold exposure is a risk when dealing with fermented honey or damp insulation.
Safety hazards may arise if the hive is near electrical wiring, which is common in attics.
Professional bee removal technicians use specialized equipment to locate and fully extract honeycomb, clean the area, and seal it to prevent future problems.
Eco-Friendly Honey & Comb Removal
Honey & Comb
At Eco Bee Removal, we focus on live bee relocation and eco-friendly cleanup. After safely removing the bees, our team:
Removes all honeycomb, wax, and debris.
Sanitizes the affected area to remove odors and pheromones.
Repairs the entry point to prevent new bees from entering.
This complete process ensures your home is safe, clean, and bee-free — without harming local pollinators.
How to Prevent Honeycomb Problems in the Future.
If you want to avoid the damage caused by leftover honey, follow these steps after a hive removal:
Hire a professional bee removal company that offers full honeycomb extraction.
Repair and seal the entry point so that bees cannot return.
Monitor your property during spring and summer for signs of bee activity.
Schedule regular inspections if you live in an area with frequent swarms.
Taking these steps saves money in the long run and helps protect your home.
✅ Final Thoughts
Removing bees is only half the job — honey and wax cleanup is crucial to protecting your home from damage, pests, and future bee invasions.
By investing in professional honeycomb removal, you not only avoid costly repairs but also create a healthier environment for you and your family. And when done the right way, live bee relocation allows the bees to continue pollinating and supporting our ecosystem — a win-win solution.
If you suspect you have a hive or leftover honeycomb in your walls, attic, or shed, don’t wait. Call Eco Bee Removal today at (888) 282-1886 for safe, eco-friendly bee removal and honeycomb cleanup.
