Large Beehive found under a floor.

Yesterday, I was patching an old subfloor for a client in Midwood and found a really large beehive filled with honey under the floor. No bees, just honeycomb and lots of honey. The hive started under a window and ran through the two areas between the floor beams. I have already pulled out several yards of hive and honey and I fear there’s a great deal more that I can’t see with out removing much more of the floor. Anyone have experience with this? I can’t see leaving honey under the floor as it will be food for all sorts of critters. Has anyone worked with a bee exterminator ? Is it possible that there could be a large nest of bees I have yet to find?

Johanna

in Exterminator 13 years and 3 months ago

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nf85 | 13 years and 3 months ago

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You do have to be sure to remove it or risk visits from all kinds of insects and, later, bigger things. A few years ago we had thousands of bees fill a space between joists (this was upstate, not in the city) in a pretty short period of time. We knew we were there because we could hear them and because they put off heat (really!). I tracked down a beekeeper online who came on an overcast day when most were afield, lured the Queen out, and then sealed up the entrance. Then he tore it all out–bags and bags of honeycomb and mess. It made a good story and I felt terrible about the ones who died, but boy what an unexpected mess to have to deal with. Oh, he said it is not as uncommon as you’d think, and that usually he got called in once people saw a yellowish stain on their ceiling or wall.

honeycut | 13 years and 3 months ago

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that is so insane! I know it’s not helpful, but I’d love to see photos of this!

callalily | 13 years and 3 months ago

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That is so wierd!

slimc | 13 years and 3 months ago

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My mother had a similar problem in Louisiana. When the bees were active (spring/summer I think) she had to have a beekeeper trap the queen and bring her somewhere else, so the worker bees would follow. I suppose patching their entrance path would be one solution too.

cupolacoffee | 13 years and 3 months ago

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NYC Beekepers Association: http://www.nyc-bees.org/