The color of a structure referred to as a “bee hive” varies dramatically depending on whether it is a natural cavity nest or a human-managed wooden box. The term encompasses both the wild dwellings of a honeybee colony and the standardized equipment used in apiculture. Consequently, the exterior color can range from the dark tones of a tree hollow to the bright, reflective white of a modern apiary. This difference is primarily driven by the need for protection and temperature regulation.
The Color of Wild Bee Nests
Wild honeybee colonies establish their homes in locations that provide natural shelter, such as hollow trees, rock crevices, or the voids within building walls. The exterior appearance of these nests is determined by the materials of the immediate environment, not by paint. Consequently, the color is overwhelmingly muted, blending into the surroundings for protection from predators and the elements.
A natural hive entrance, often a small opening in a tree or rock, typically takes on the color of the surrounding wood or stone, appearing in shades of brown, grey, or black. The bees themselves contribute to the exterior color through the application of propolis, a dark, resinous material used to seal cracks and sterilize the space. Propolis, derived from tree sap and botanical sources, naturally stains the nest entrance and interior surfaces with dark, brownish hues.
The dark coloration of these unmanaged nests also plays a role in the colony’s thermoregulation. Dark surfaces absorb more solar radiation, which helps the colony maintain a stable, warm temperature, especially in cooler climates or during the winter months. This absorption of heat reduces the energy the bees must expend to vibrate their flight muscles for warmth, allowing the colony to conserve honey stores.
Why Managed Hives Are Painted
Managed bee hives, commonly constructed as modular wooden boxes known as Langstroth hives, present a stark contrast to their wild counterparts, often appearing in bright, light colors. Beekeepers paint these wooden boxes for two primary reasons: preservation of the wood and thermal management for the colony. A coat of exterior-grade paint seals the wood, protecting it from moisture and ultraviolet degradation, which extends the usable life of the equipment.
The overwhelming preference for light colors, particularly white, is directly related to heat management. White paint has a high solar reflectance, meaning it bounces away much of the incoming sunlight instead of absorbing it. This reflection minimizes the internal hive temperature during hot summer months, which prevents colony stress.
If the hive gets too hot, the bees must expend considerable energy and effort fanning their wings to circulate air and evaporate water to cool the nest. By using light colors, beekeepers reduce the workload on the colony, allowing the bees to focus their energy on foraging and honey production. While white is the most common choice, beekeepers sometimes use subtle, light-pastel colors, such as pale blue or light yellow, to help the bees orient themselves. Placing hives in a row with different colors or patterns near the entrance helps individual foragers more easily identify their specific home, which minimizes the phenomenon known as “drift” between colonies.
The Changing Colors of Internal Comb
The colors of the interior comb structure are independent of the hive’s exterior and undergo a significant transformation over time. When bees first draw out new wax from their abdominal glands, the resulting honeycomb is nearly white or a very light cream color. This pristine, pale wax is often seen in the honey storage sections of the hive, known as supers, where it is used only once for storing honey.
The color of the comb begins to darken the moment it is used for internal colony functions, particularly in the brood nest area where the queen lays eggs. Each time a bee larva pupates and emerges as an adult, it leaves behind a thin, silken cocoon or casing adhered to the cell walls. Over multiple generations of brood rearing, these casings build up layer by layer, progressively staining and darkening the comb.
Additionally, the introduction of propolis and pollen further contributes to the coloration change. Propolis, which is rich in dark resins, stains the wax a darker yellow, amber, or brown as it is spread throughout the hive. Pollen, stored in cells around the brood, introduces various shades of yellow, orange, and red pigments. The cumulative effect of these materials and the accumulated brood casings is that the oldest, most-used comb in the center of the hive can become dark brown, or even black, over several seasons.