Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Propolis varies in color, depending on the plant from which it was collected,
ranging from nearly black to brown, red, or gold. Also, the various microbial
chemicals vary, as do the other compounds. In spite of this variability, however, no
matter where it is collected, propolis is more similar than different, suggesting that
bees seek plant resins with a detectable quality. The protective aspects of propolis
should not be underestimated: it is active against potentially pathogenic bacteria
and fungi in a hive.
Bees use propolis to seal cracks and crevices in the hive that are smaller than a
bee. This makes this space unavailable to other creatures that may cause harm to
the bees or the honey. If small hive beetles are present in your area, bees may actu-
ally build prisons of propolis on top bars and other locations to contain the adults
and keep them from laying eggs on frames.
These cracks and crevices include the spaces where the boxes are joined togeth-
er, where the inner cover and the top box meet, and where frames rest on the ledge
in each box. If propolis builds up on this ledge, bee space is violated. Every so of-
ten, you must remove all frames and clean off the propolis from each box. When
removing frames, clean the propolis off the lugs of the frames to prevent buildup.
The bees also use propolis as plaster to smooth rough spots on box sides, frame
pieces, bottom board edges, and so on. Sometimes they will seal the entrance al-
most completely, leaving only a bee space doorway for them to use.
The propolis that is placed between boxes, or between the inner cover and the
top box, will be sticky and gooey (at best) on warm days, but it becomes brittle
when the weather turns cold. Even when it is cool, separating boxes or lifting the
inner cover will cause the seal made by the propolis to
snap
loudly, alerting the
bees that an intruder is present. It pays to keep those edges clean.
Harvesting Propolis
This goo can be profitable. It is a raw material used in homemade treatments for
scratches, sore throats, and other minor ailments. Some propolis varieties from
South America are said to be very good antibiotics and are marketed as such.
If harvesting propolis is an option for you there are companies that will pur-
chase your collections for good money. Beekeeping supply companies sell propolis
traps so you can collect propolis on an industrial scale. Installed like queen ex-
cluders, the mat is a mesh of slits, all smaller than bee space that the bees will fill
with propolis to seal. When the mesh is full, remove the mat, freeze it for a few
days, then bang it on something solid that is covered with newspaper, and much
of the propolis will be dislodged, ready for collection. Then, reapply the mat and
collect again. You can also collect the scrapings from frames, sides, doors, and
