Soon after settling in, the worker bees begin one of their most important tasks—building the wax comb. Honeybees are remarkable little architects, and one of their greatest creations is the wax comb—the heart of every hive. For a new beekeeper or anyone fascinated by the natural world, understanding how bees make wax and why their comb is shaped the way it is can feel like peeking into nature’s engineering workshop.

Wax production begins with young worker bees, usually between 12 and 20 days old. At this stage in their lives, their wax glands are at their strongest. These glands, located on the underside of the abdomen, secrete tiny flakes of pure, white wax—so small and delicate they look like shimmering scales. To produce these flakes, bees must consume a large amount of honey. In fact, it takes roughly 8 kilograms of honey to produce just 1 kilogram of wax. This makes wax precious, and bees use it wisely.

When enough wax flakes are produced, the workers gather together in a warm cluster. They soften the wax with their mandibles and begin to shape it, passing it from bee to bee like tiny bricklayers at a construction site. Together, they build the iconic structure: the honeycomb.

The honeycomb’s famous hexagonal pattern has amazed scientists for centuries. Why hexagons? Because they are the most efficient shape in nature. Hexagons use the least amount of wax while storing the maximum amount of honey, pollen, and brood. No wasted space, no unnecessary effort—just perfect economy. The warm environment inside the hive softens the wax enough for surface tension and bee manipulation to naturally pull the structure into these mathematically ideal cells.

As the comb grows, it becomes much more than storage. It is the nursery for baby bees, the pantry for food, and the backbone of the colony’s entire home. Watching bees build it—one tiny flake of wax at a time—reminds us that even the smallest creatures can be extraordinary engineers.

As the colony becomes established, the presence of adequate food triggers the queen bee to begin laying eggs. Stimulated by the flow of nectar (or syrup) and the bustle of activity in the hive, under optimal conditions, she may lay up to 1,000 eggs per day. The eggs hatch into larvae within three days, and worker bees begin feeding them a rich, milky substance called royal jelly that is produced from the front part of the worker bee’s head, followed by bee bread made from pollen and nectar.

Monitoring Colony Progress

By the third or fourth week after installation, you should begin to see clear signs that your colony is developing well. During a gentle inspection—preferably on a warm, calm day—you may observe frames filled with eggs, larvae at various stages, and capped brood cells. The capped cells, covered with a slightly raised wax seal, indicate pupating bees that are nearing emergence. If you’re lucky, you might even witness young bees chewing their way out of their cells, completing the fascinating cycle of bee development before your eyes.

This period is a rewarding time for new beekeepers. It's your opportunity to observe the internal dynamics of the hive and become familiar with the colony's rhythm and needs. Each frame tells a story—of growth, coordination, and life. It’s also a time for you to learn how to gently handle the bees, recognize signs of good health, and gradually build confidence in your beekeeping skills.

With careful observation, light management, and a steady hand, you’ll see your hive transform from a newly installed colony into a well-organised community of thousands of bees. An average Langstroth-style hive with Apis mellifera species can grow up to a 50,000-strong colony. All working together toward the common goal of building a strong, healthy home. These foundational weeks will shape the success of your colony for the rest of the season and offer you a deep sense of satisfaction as you become part of their world.