Beeswax is secreted from glands under the abdomen of worker bees roughly twelve to eighteen days old. The bee produces it in scales, softens it by chewing and builds comb.

The cost to the colony

Producing wax takes energy. For one unit of wax the bees must consume markedly more honey.

This has two practical consequences: renewing comb unnecessarily takes from the yield, but having the bees draw comb during a flow occupies them and lowers swarming pressure.

Sources

• Cappings wax: The cappings cut at harvest. The cleanest and lightest-coloured wax; the most valuable
• Brace comb: Surplus comb between frames and from the drone frame
• Old comb: Brood combs taken out of circulation. Dark and low-yielding

These three sources should be processed separately. Mixing cappings wax with old comb degrades the best product obtainable.

Rendering methods

• Solar melter: Simple and cheap. Suitable for light wax; it cannot fully render dark comb
• Steam melter: Efficient and does not overheat the wax
• Water bath: Used at small scale; the wax must not contact the flame directly

Beeswax is flammable. Melting over a direct flame is a fire risk and spoils the colour.

The residue problem

This is the most important issue with beeswax. Fat-soluble substances accumulate in wax. Some acaricides used in hives can remain in wax for years.

The consequences:

• Foundation made from old comb carries residues into new colonies
• Accumulation can adversely affect brood development and queen quality
• Commercial foundation is of mixed origin; its traceability is limited

For this reason many beekeepers prefer to have foundation made from their own cappings wax. A closed wax cycle is the soundest way of limiting residue build-up.

Comb renewal

Old comb harbours not only residues but disease agents and cocoons. Cell volume narrows over time.

Renewing a fixed proportion of the brood combs each year is common and recommended practice. The comb removed becomes a wax source; the cycle closes.

Storage

Wax cast into blocks is kept cool, dry and dark. Wax moth does not develop in processed wax; the real risk is in unprocessed comb.

Summary

Beeswax is the most underrated product in beekeeping. A beekeeper who establishes a closed wax cycle both lowers the residue risk and escapes dependence on bought foundation.