The question of whether beeswax attracts bees is complex, but the simple answer is yes. Beeswax, a natural substance secreted by worker honey bees, forms the structural matrix of the hive and the hexagonal cells of the comb. The true attractive power comes not from the wax structure itself, but from the residual scents and volatile compounds absorbed and embedded within this matrix over time. For a bee, this scent is a powerful chemical signal signifying an established, safe, and viable home, which is crucial for a swarming colony seeking a new location.
The Chemical Composition of Beeswax
Beeswax is a chemically intricate substance composed of over 300 different compounds. The bulk of the wax consists of long-chain fatty esters, complex esters, hydrocarbons, and free fatty acids. These large molecules provide the physical structure, creating a stable, water-repellent material for building the comb. The exact composition varies based on the bee subspecies, the wax’s age, and the floral sources the bees forage on.
The attractive power of beeswax is not due to these structural components, but rather its capacity to absorb and retain lighter, aromatic compounds. Trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including terpenoids and flavonoids from nectar and pollen, become trapped within the wax. This absorption creates a scented reservoir that is continually released into the air, giving the comb a characteristic “hive smell.”
Beeswax as a Social Signal
The stored volatile chemicals within the wax serve an important function in honey bee social communication. As bees walk and live within the comb, they deposit pheromones onto the wax surface, which are then absorbed into the matrix. This process transforms the inert wax structure into a potent chemical signpost for the entire colony.
One significant stored scent is the residue of the Nasanov pheromone, used by worker bees for orientation and aggregation. This pheromone, composed of seven volatile compounds including geraniol and citral, is fanned out by bees to mark the hive entrance, water sources, and swarm locations. When absorbed into the beeswax, it creates a lingering, long-distance signal that guides scout bees searching for a new home.
Wax saturated with these residual pheromones confirms to searching scout bees that a potential cavity is a secure, previously occupied nest site. This chemical confirmation reduces the likelihood of the new swarm abandoning the location, or “absconding.” The wax serves as a chemical declaration of safety and colony identity.
Using Wax to Attract and Lure Bees
Beekeepers intentionally use the attractive properties of beeswax to manage and establish colonies. A common practice involves coating the inside of new hive equipment or specialized bait traps with melted beeswax. This application imparts the characteristic hive scent onto the unfamiliar surfaces, making the new wooden box seem like a more appealing location.
The most effective way to lure a swarm is by using aged, darker comb, particularly old brood comb. This wax has housed successive generations of developing bees and thus has the highest saturation of pheromones, making the scent signal significantly stronger. Melting this older comb and painting it onto the interior of an empty hive cavity or swarm trap is a proven method for encouraging a migrating swarm to settle.
Beekeepers often combine aged wax with synthetic or natural lures, such as lemongrass essential oil, which closely mimics components of the Nasanov pheromone. This combination enhances the attractive power of the wax by providing both the chemical foundation and a powerful, recognizable orientation scent.