Beeswax Production

Beeswax is a natural substance secreted as thin scales by the four pairs of wax glands on the underside of young worker bees' abdomens, and from which they build comb. Beekeepers obtain beeswax mainly by rendering cappings and old combs being replaced. Good beeswax production means processing wax sources separately, choosing the right rendering method and setting up a closed wax cycle to guard against medicine residues.

How is beeswax made?

Wax secretion is greatest in worker bees about 12–18 days old. The bees eat honey or syrup and cluster, and at the temperature inside the cluster transparent wax scales emerge from the glands under the abdomen. The bee takes the scale to its mouth with its legs, chews it until soft and adds it to the comb wall.

Fresh wax is almost white. Over time comb turns yellow, brown and dark brown because of pollen, propolis and especially the cocoon linings left in brood cells.

What does making wax cost the colony?

Wax production requires energy, and that energy comes from honey or syrup. According to common estimates, bees need to consume several kilograms of honey for every kilogram of wax. This has two practical consequences:

• Look after drawn comb: Sound, clean drawn comb is valuable capital; making bees replace it unnecessarily lowers the honey yield.
• Have wax made during the flow: The best time to have new comb drawn is during an abundant nectar flow. Giving foundation at this time keeps young bees busy and helps reduce swarming pressure.

What are the sources of beeswax?

• Cappings wax: The cappings cut off before extracting honey. It is the cleanest, lightest and most valuable wax, and the one with the lowest residue risk.
• Brace and burr comb: Excess comb built between frames, cut-out drone comb and fresh wax built during the flow.
• Old comb: Brood combs taken out of circulation. It is dark, gives a low wax yield because it contains many cocoons, and is the source with the highest accumulation of residues.

These sources should be rendered separately. Mixing cappings wax with old comb lowers the colour and quality of the best product you could obtain.

How do you render beeswax? Methods

Beeswax melts at about 62–64 °C. The aim is to separate the wax from the dirt without overheating or scorching it.

Safety and quality when rendering

• Fire risk: Beeswax is flammable; never melt it over a direct flame or unattended.
• Overheating: Darkens the wax and spoils its smell.
• Container material: Use stainless steel or enamel containers; iron, copper, zinc and galvanised containers darken the wax.
• Straining: Melted wax is passed through cheesecloth or a fine strainer; wax poured into moulds does not crack if it is cooled slowly.

The problem of residues in beeswax

The most important issue with beeswax is residues. Fat-soluble substances accumulate in wax; some synthetic miticides used in the hive can remain in the wax for years. Agricultural pesticides can also be carried into the comb by the bees.

• The cycle: Foundation made from old comb carries residues into new colonies.
• Effect on the colony: Accumulation can adversely affect brood development and the quality of queens and drones.
• Adulterated wax: Foundation mixed with paraffin or other additives can be found on the market; bees may not draw it out well and it may collapse.

This is why many beekeepers prefer to have foundation made from their own cappings wax. A closed wax cycle, that is, turning your own clean wax into your own foundation, is the most reliable way to limit residues. If you buy foundation, choose a trustworthy source with analysis results.

Comb renewal and the wax cycle

Old comb carries not only residues but also disease agents and accumulated cocoons; the cells become narrower over time. That is why renewing some of the brood combs every year (the common recommendation being to replace all brood combs over three to four years) is recommended practice. The comb removed becomes a source of wax, and so the cycle is closed.

How should beeswax be stored?

Wax cast in blocks is stored in a cool, dry, dust-free and dark place, preferably in a closed box or bag. Wax moth does not develop in clean, rendered wax; the real risk is unprocessed comb waiting in storage, especially comb that has held brood. Old combs to be rendered should be processed without delay or protected against wax moth.

What is beeswax used for?

• In beekeeping: Making foundation is the most important use.
• Candles and crafts: Beeswax is used in candles, polishes and wood care products.
• Food and cosmetics: Selling into these sectors requires purity and residue standards in line with the relevant legislation.