Beeswax candles aren’t just beautiful and natural—they’re also a product of an incredible process that begins in the beehive. Beeswax is a natural byproduct of honey production - but what exactly goes into making beeswax, and how is it harvested in a way that supports healthy bee populations? Let’s take a closer look at how beeswax is created and why choosing beeswax products is a sustainable choice that helps bees and local ecosystems thrive.
The Bees’ Process: How Bees Make Beeswax
Beeswax is an essential building block within the hive. Worker bees, responsible for much of the hive’s structure and production, produce beeswax through specialized wax glands on their abdomens. After foraging for nectar, bees convert the sugars in the nectar into energy, which powers their wax production. The wax appears as tiny flakes on their abdomens, which bees then chew and mold to create the honeycomb structure. This honeycomb serves multiple purposes in the hive: it’s where honey is stored, where the queen lays her eggs, and where larvae grow.
For bees, producing beeswax is energy-intensive—approximately eight pounds of honey is needed to create just one pound of beeswax! This process showcases the natural teamwork and dedication of bees, whose efforts lead to the creation of this incredible substance.
Harvesting: The Beekeeping Process
Responsible beekeepers understand that the well-being of the hive is crucial for sustainable beeswax production. When beekeepers harvest honey, they carefully remove only a portion of the honeycomb, leaving plenty for the bees’ needs. The beeswax harvested typically comes from the honeycomb caps, the protective wax layer bees create to seal each cell of honey. These caps are gently removed, cleaned, and filtered to create pure beeswax suitable for candles.
This approach allows the hive to remain healthy and productive. Ethical beekeeping practices prioritize the bees’ health, ensuring they have ample honey stores and wax to maintain their hive through the seasons.
At The Wicked Bee, our beeswax is sourced from trusted Canadian apiaries that follow sustainable practices, ensuring the well-being of both bees and the environment. Choosing our beeswax candles contributes to a thriving ecosystem, supports local beekeepers, and helps protect the essential pollinators we depend on.
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