i had moved an old water trough closer to the hive. thought this would cut down the commute for the bees, and keep them out of the livestock water, etc.
i just checked the water and found little rice size, white things in it. i pulled several out and squished them. they were wax!
i don't suppose this is a problem, but it sure is interesting. is there any chance that i have put the water to close to the hive? why would they drop wax in the water?
Making wax scales on their abdomen is an involuntary act. If they have a stomach full of honey or nectar for too long they start secreting wax. They often waste it.
Ya, look at your bottom boards or your sticky tray, you'll see tons of it. First time I ever noticed this waste of wax was in the bottom of the cage my packages showed up in.