wax in the water trough

[Kathyp]

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?

[Michael Bush]

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.

[thomashton]

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.