OMAHA, NE (KETV/CNN) - A home in Nebraska was a hive of activity recently, as contractors and bee keepers came together to remove thousands of honey bees from the attic.
The infestation was so extensive that honey could be seen dripping down the side of the house, but the homeowner was concerned about more than just removing the bees.
She wanted to remove the bees without killing them.
"Yeah if you keep bees, I'll guarantee you you'll get two things - stung and sticky," said a beekeeper of 40 years, John Gebuhr.
In his 40 years as a bee keeper, Gebuhr hasn't seen a honey bee colony quite like the one taking up residence in Becky Reilly's home.
"You could see the honey comb down right next to the eaves," said Gebuhr.
"We heard a loud and rhythmic buzzing and it was somewhat terrifying because we knew what it meant," said Becky Reilly, the home's owner.
"Bees will find a little hole and they'll just move in," said Gebuhr.
"The damage was terrible, the honey coming through their soffit and it was just leaking down the side of the house," said Jason Starkey, a contractor hired to repair the damage.
Starkey works for Takoda Green, who happened to have a beekeeper on staff.
"She was concerned about saving her bees - getting them out of the attic at the same time," said beekeeper Janelle Greico.
Starkey removed the bees, hives and more than 40 pounds of honey from the attic.
"It's just so strange to know we had thousands of bees in our attic," said Reilly.
Some of the bees didn't make it, and others are now living in Gebuhr's garage, hibernating until the Spring.
He said he'll safely set up a hive in Reilly's backyard.
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