Only problem is, Jeb probably would have a good reason for leaving this idea out of the game. One can never know, though.
But what about the beehives themselves? The bees?
How about a swarm whenever the hive is attacked?
Could beehives be farmed?
A swarm of bees dealing half a heart of damage for, say, every second the player stands in it.
How about approaching a beehive and right-clicking it to get honey?