Moving Wax Around the Hive with Dave Wade (390)
About this episode
Dave Wade discusses his observations and experiments on how honey bees utilize and relocate wax within the hive.
Beekeepers often think of wax production as something that simply happens when colonies build comb. But what if bees are constantly moving wax throughout the hive, recycling it from one location to another as colony needs change? This week, Jeff and Becky welcome Massachusetts beekeeper Dave Wade to discuss his observations and experiments exploring how honey bees utilize and relocate wax within the colony. Dave's journey into beekeeping began nearly twenty years ago when concerns about pollination of backyard fruit trees led him to a local bee school. Since then, he has become an active member of the Worcester County Beekeepers Association and developed a reputation for practical experimentation and careful observation in the bee yard. The discussion focuses on Dave's work providing supplemental wax directly to colonies. Using strips and rolls of beeswax foundation placed inside frames, Dave has observed colonies rapidly incorporating the wax into comb construction, brood nest expansion, honey storage, and comb repairs. His experiments suggest that bees readily utilize available wax resources, especially later in the season when natural wax production slows. Dave shares results…
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