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'Monster' hive of more than 50,000 bees found in house ceiling


A southeast Queensland beekeeper has removed what he’s called one of the biggest beehives he’s seen from a home.

Hinterland Bees apiarist Scott Whitaker took almost 12 hours to remove a “monster” beehive containing about 50,000 bees from a home in Nambour earlier this month.

He told Yahoo7 the bees had established a hive between two floors of the home while the owners were installing a deck and estimates it had been there for three years.

Hinterland Bees apiarist Scott Whitaker took almost 12 hours to remove a beehive containing about 50,000 bees from a home in Nambour earlier this month. Source: Hinterland Bees
Hinterland Bees apiarist Scott Whitaker took almost 12 hours to remove a beehive containing about 50,000 bees from a home in Nambour earlier this month. Source: Hinterland Bees
Mr Whitaker used a vacuum cleaner to remove the bees. Source: Hinterland Bees
Mr Whitaker used a vacuum cleaner to remove the bees. Source: Hinterland Bees

“The people living in the home knew bees were there,” Mr Whitaker said.

“But they were told the bees would go away.”

Part of the hive removed from the ceiling which Mr Whitaker believes was there for about three years. Source: Hinterland Bees
Part of the hive removed from the ceiling which Mr Whitaker believes was there for about three years. Source: Hinterland Bees

Mr Whitaker carefully removed the hive with tools, and its buzzing occupants with a vacuum cleaner.

“The comb was as long as my arm,” he said.

“It’s probably the biggest one I’ve cut out.”

So far this spring, Mr Whitaker has attended about 30 jobs removing established beehives and about a dozen removals of swarms.

The bees after removal. Source: Hinterland Bees
The bees after removal. Source: Hinterland Bees

He’s re-homed the bees at a property at North Maleny to ensure the insects are cared for and free of illness.

As for the home’s occupants, you’d hope they have a sweet tooth.

Mr Whitaker said 50 kilograms of honey was removed from the ceiling.