On Sun, 10 Sep 1995, Pete Gentile wrote:
 
> On Sun, 10 Sep 1995, Steve Payne wrote:
>
> > What sort of problems will there be by the honey left in the walls?  How
> > would one get rid of the honey?
> > - Steve
>
>
> Depending on the size of the wall cavity that the bee colony occupies,
> there could be well over 100lbs of honey stored there.  With no bees to
> maintain temperature or defend the hive several things could happen.
>
> The temperature inside the wall could rise causing the wax comb to
> melt, allowing the honey to seep out.  Honey seeping through your walls is
> is only good if you are a fly, nat, ant or a yeast cell!  The bugs will
> have a feast and the yeast will ferment the honey and stink.
>
> Besides ants and flys, wasps, other bees and hornets will come to rob the
> honey.  Even if the entrance is sealed they will come.  If the honey
> seeps out through the bottom or some cracks, they will come.
>
> The seeping honey could also cause rot problems with the wood structures.
>
> There is a suction or vaccum method of removing bees, honey and all.
> Otherwise opening the walls is the other alternative.  Still, the best
> bet is to contact the local beekeeper's assoc.  They can put you in
> contact with the people you need.
>
> Pete, NJ
>
>
>
 
How about killing the bees inside the wall and then allowing other bees
in the area to rob the honey and remove it.  The wall could be kept
sealed until there is no honey flow and robbing should take place rather
quickly.  The disadvantage is that there will be  lot of bees and other
insects around while this robbing is underway.  However, it might be
better than tearing the wall down.
 
Eric Abell                           email: [log in to unmask]
Gibbons, AB, T0A 1N0
Canada
(403) 998 3143