Beeswax: how it is produced and what it is used for

How is beeswax made? What are its uses? Let's find out more

Unlike other animals, bees independently produce the substance with which they create their nest. Other insects generally build nests by collecting substances they find outside, such as parts of some plants, mud and vegetable fibers.

Bees are able to generate a complex structure like the beehive by creating the building material themselves: wax.

Bees produce wax through their ceriparic glands which are located in the abdomen. The production of wax is up to bees that have reached at least ten days of life. In fact, during this period, their body is particularly predisposed to the production of this substance.

Once they reach the 18th day of life, the ceripar glands of bees tend to be less productive, for this reason, the specimens that have reached this stage are transferred to other areas of the hive to perform different tasks.

beeswax is therefore a completely natural product that is used not only to build the hive but also by humans in various sectors. Let's find out more.

Uses and properties of beeswax

Beeswax has a variety of uses because it is a waterproof substance (therefore resistant to water infiltration) plus it has a pleasant aroma.

Bees, as we understand, use wax to build their honeycombs. Through the wax, bees create hexagonal cells that fit together perfectly, creating the classic honeycomb structure that we all know. The wax also helps keep bee larvae warm and safe from predators, such as ants, spiders and other insects.

beeswax is used in various industries and is a very popular substance especially for sealing surfaces such as wooden floors or furniture that have been exposed to water. We can find beeswax in many common objects including some particular pastels.

Wax is used to make various things, here are some examples of where it is used:

• Candle making: beeswax candles are in high demand because they can be burned multiple times before needing to be replaced. In addition, they burn more intensely than paraffin candles and do not emit toxic fumes like traditional waxes. Beeswax candles are also non-toxic and hypoallergenic , making them an ideal choice for allergy or asthma sufferers.
• Treatments for wood and furniture: the wax can also be used as a polish for furniture and floors.
• Beeswax is also able to add shine to leather accessories such as shoes or bags.
• Making some types of cosmetics: Beeswax has been used in cosmetics since ancient times because it adds moisture to dry skin and helps prevent wrinkles and blemishes. It has antibacterial properties that fight acne and other skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. Some people also use beeswax products as make-up removers instead of using soap because the wax is much gentler on the skin.
• Pharmaceutical products: wax has important healing and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is used to produce a wide range of pharmaceutical products.

How beeswax is composed

Beeswax is a natural product obtained from honey bees. The wax is formed about 300 organic substances including hydrocarbons, acids, alcohols. To produce the wax the bees transform the honey using about ten grams of it to produce a single gram of wax. Bees use it to form the walls and caps of their honeycombs. The wax is produced in the form of flakes which are then modeled and used as a building material for the walls and caps of the honeycombs (opercula).

The color of the wax can be yellow, golden or brown. The shade of color depends on the flowers used by the bees during production.

Wax flakes are usually around 20 micrometers long and each weighs around 250 milligrams. After being secreted by the glands, the scales are stored in the hive, where they accumulate in layers.

How beekeepers take wax

There are several ways to get the wax. Beekeepers use different processes to extract the wax. The oldest way to do this is boiling, but there are several much more up-to-date techniques for doing this.

Once the wax has been obtained, the beekeeper can also use it for the production of wax sheets, which are very useful within beekeeping farms.

Are you a beekeeper? Buy queen bees, cores or bee packs online!

If you need to buy bees for your farm, choose Apicoltura Laterza! For years we have been dealing with the production and sale of queen bees of the Ligustica and Buckfast breed, the sale of bee cores on 5 frames and bee packs.

You can order our products directly online in a few clicks. We use professional and safe methods for shipping our bees. You will receive the bees in full force!

Want to find out more? View availability in real time and buy in a few clicks on the website: www.apicolturalaterza.it