Propolis Trap 10 Frame

Propolis has a number of uses for bees and beekeepers alike. Bees use propolis like glue to seal any gaps in the hive and in the wild to reduce the entrance to their hive. They also use propolis to line the walls of their hive to provide sanitary conditions.  

What is propolis exactly? Bees collect gums and resins from trees, flower buds, or anything sticky they can find. They mix these ingredients with their own special blend of ingredients from the hive. Propolis is generally dark yellow, reddish, or brown and can be very malleable and sticky at warm temperatures and quite solid at cold temperatures. 

Propolis has many qualities including being anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihistamine.  Many beekeepers swear by propolis in many forms, including as a topical for cleaning/healing wounds, a chewable for easing toothaches and cold sores, and tinctures for sore throat, lowering blood pressure, and more. 

How do I harvest Propolis?

Our plastic Propolis Trap works just like an ice tray, but instead of filling it with water; you let the bees fill it with propolis! 

Just place the Propolis Trap on top of your uppermost box and leave a tiny gap between the trap and your lid (a small stick will work just fine). The bees will notice that their hive is not properly sealed and will fill the small gaps in the Propolis Trap within a day or two. Make sure to do this early in the season when the hive is NOT under pressure from robbing. Once the Propolis Trap is full, remove it and freeze it. Once frozen, simply twist the Propolis Trap over a catch pan to release your propolis chips!