Propolis facts for kids
Propolis is a sticky, resin-like substance that honey bees collect from trees and other plants. Bees use it like a special glue to seal their beehives. It helps keep the hive safe and clean.
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What is Propolis?
Propolis is a natural material made by honey bees. It comes from the sticky sap that bees collect from tree buds and other parts of plants. Bees mix this sap with their own wax and other things to create a special, sticky substance. The word "propolis" comes from ancient Greek words meaning "for the city," which describes how bees use it to protect their hive.
How Bees Use Propolis
Bees use propolis for many important tasks inside their hive. Think of it as their construction material and cleaning product all in one!
- Sealing Cracks: Bees use propolis to fill in any small cracks or holes in their beehive. This helps to keep out cold air, rain, and unwanted visitors.
- Strengthening the Hive: It acts like a cement, making the hive stronger and more stable.
- Keeping it Clean: Propolis helps to keep the hive clean and healthy. It has special properties that can stop tiny germs, like bacteria, from growing. This is important for keeping the bee colony safe from sickness.
- Protecting from Intruders: If a small animal, like a mouse, gets into the hive and dies, the bees might cover it in propolis. This stops the body from decaying and spreading germs inside the hive.
What Propolis is Made Of
Propolis is a mix of many different things. Its exact makeup can change depending on where the bees live and what plants are nearby. Generally, it contains:
- Plant resins (sticky sap from trees)
- Beeswax
- Essential oils (natural oils from plants)
- Pollen (tiny grains from plants)
- Other natural compounds
Why Propolis is Important
Propolis is very important for the health and safety of a bee colony. Without it, beehives would be much weaker and more open to diseases and bad weather. Humans have also found uses for propolis because of its natural properties, especially in traditional medicine.
Images for kids
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Two bars from a top bar hive that the bees have glued together using propolis. Separating the bars will take some effort as the propolis has hardened.
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Propolis on the upper bar
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Propolis in hive
See also
In Spanish: Propóleo para niños
