Propolis is collected using a screen that mimics a gap. The bees fill the gap, and the screen is removed.

Why a screen beats scraping

Propolis scraped from the hive is mixed with wood, paint and dirt.

Propolis from a screen is clean and therefore usable as a product. That difference is decisive for its value.

The screen

• A plastic mat with many fine openings, placed on top of the frames under the inner cover
• Opening size matters: too wide and the bees build comb, too narrow and they do not fill it
• Some draught encourages filling; the bees seal what feels to them like a leak

Harvesting

The screen is chilled until the propolis becomes brittle, then flexed; the propolis breaks off.

At room temperature propolis is sticky and unworkable — cold is not a refinement here but a necessity.

When

Mainly in late summer and autumn, when the bees turn to sealing the hive. The screen stays in for weeks; propolis is not collected in one go.

What it costs the colony

Less than most other products. Even so, the colony spends labour filling the screen, and that labour does not go into foraging.

The same role allocation applies: let production colonies supply propolis and keep honey colonies free.

Source and composition

Propolis is collected plant resin. Its composition therefore differs considerably by region, depending on which trees and shrubs are available.

This also means research on one propolis does not automatically apply to another.

Storage

• Cool, dark and airtight
• It keeps well frozen, and is easier to work with cold
• Light and heat degrade the constituents

Rules

Do not harvest during a treatment period; propolis takes up fat-soluble substances. Allergic reactions are possible and should be stated.