How to Add Wax to New Beehive Frames

If you’re a beekeeper or just starting out, you’ve probably heard about the importance of adding wax to your beehive frames, especially new frames. But why is it so crucial, and how exactly do you do it? Don’t worry—it’s simpler than you might think, and the benefits for your bees are worth the effort. Let’s dive into why you need to add wax to your frames and how to do it the right way.

Table of Contents

1.) Why Add Wax to New Beehive Frames? (Click here)

2.) How to Add Wax to Beehive Frames (Click here)

3.) What You’ll Need (Click here)

4.) Steps to Add Wax (Click here)

5.) You Can Find All the Equipment I Used (Click here)

Why Add Wax to New Beehive Frames?

Adding wax to beehive frames is like giving your bees a head start. Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Encourages Comb Building

When you apply a thin layer of wax to your frames, you’re providing your bees with a template to start building their comb. The new frames I bought came pre-waxed, but it wasn’t enough for my bees. They built all sorts of wonky comb! Adding additional wax helps them get to work faster, saving them energy and time. Bees naturally prefer to build on wax, so by giving them a wax-coated frame, you’re making their job easier.

2. Promotes Straight Comb

One of the biggest challenges in beekeeping is keeping the comb straight. When bees build wonky comb, it can make inspections difficult and even lead to broken comb or squished bees. Wax-coated frames guide the bees to build their comb neatly within the frame. I have been able to see firsthand the benefits of adding additional wax to new frames and it is definitely worth it!

3. Increases Hive Productivity

With wax-coated frames, bees spend less time gathering and processing their own wax, allowing them to focus more on gathering nectar and pollen. This can lead to a more productive hive, with more honey and healthier bees.

4. Supports Bee Health

Natural beeswax has antimicrobial properties, which can help keep your hive clean and healthy. By using wax that you’ve sourced from a trusted place (or even from your own bees), you’re ensuring that your hive is getting the best possible start.

How to Add Wax to New Beehive Frames

Adding wax to your beehive frames is a simple process, and you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to do it. There are many ways you can do it. Some people melt the wax in a double-boiler and roll it on. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide of how I did it:

What You’ll Need:

• Beeswax (either from your own bees or purchased from a reputable source)
• Hand held propane torch
• Your beehive frames

Steps to Add Wax:

Melt the Wax: Start by melting your beeswax. Hold the beeswax bar to the flame for only a few seconds. Make sure to keep the heat low—beeswax can be flammable at high temperatures.

Prepare the Frames: Get your frames ready. If you’re using plastic foundation, make sure it’s clean and dry before you start applying the wax.

Apply the Wax: Hold the beeswax bar to the flame for a second or two and then gently rub it back and forth across the frame. You don’t need to push hard. The goal is to add wax to the raised form of the comb. You don’t want to fill it with wax. You don’t need a thick coating—just enough to give the bees a head start.

Let It Cool: After applying the wax, let the frames cool and the wax harden before placing them in the hive. This usually only takes a few minutes.

Install in the Hive: Once the wax has set, your frames are ready to be installed in the hive. Place them in your hive, and let your bees get to work!

Final Thoughts on Adding Wax to New Frames

Adding wax to your beehive frames is a simple step that can make a big difference in the health and productivity of your hive. It encourages your bees to build comb faster, ensures they stay on track with straight comb, and frees them up to focus on what they do best—making honey! Plus, with the natural benefits of beeswax, you’re also supporting your bees’ overall health. So, grab some wax, follow these easy steps, and give your bees the boost they need to thrive. 🐝

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This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclose here.

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