Comb Drawing Time?

[Ben Framed]

When do bees generally start drawing out comb? Considering nector, pollen, and tempature, what are the (ripe) conditions for each to be able to expect a good aggressive comb drawing time to begin?
Thanks, Phillip

[van from Arkansas]

Mr. Ben, good afternoon.

One pound of wax is created from five pounds of honey.  Wax is very expensive from a bees point of view.  The 5:1 ratio of honey to wax is figured from a molecule scale, 5 or 6 carbon atoms {I forget exact}for fructose, glucose and approx 25 carbon atoms for wax.

So in a dearth, a hive will not likely produce wax.  In spring with lots of food, bees are more inclined to make wax.  If memory serves me correctly the bees producing wax must be less than 15 days post hatch.

Some say feed the bees 1:1 sugar syrup for wax production and 2:1 for brood.  I have heard this many times but,,,,, not proven.

Swarms contain many young bees as wax production is critical.

OK, ask Santa for drones and wax.  Hawahawa lol

[Ben Framed]

Mr. Ben, good afternoon.

One pound of wax is created from five pounds of honey.  Wax is very expensive from a bees point of view.  The 5:1 ratio of honey to wax is figured from a molecule scale, 5 or 6 carbon atoms {I forget exact}for fructose, glucose and approx 25 carbon atoms for wax.

So in a dearth, a hive will not likely produce wax.  In spring with lots of food, bees are more inclined to make wax.  If memory serves me correctly the bees producing wax must be less than 15 days post hatch.

Some say feed the bees 1:1 sugar syrup for wax production and 2:1 for brood.  I have heard this many times but,,,,, not proven.

Swarms contain many young bees as wax production is critical.

OK, ask Santa for drones and wax.  Hawahawa lol

Ah haa haa haa not a bad idea about asking Santa!! I might Have a half a chance reviving the drawn out combs !! Thanks for the information and the smile Mr Van!! 😁😊
Phillip

[Michael Bush]

It depends on many things when they will draw comb.  How badly do they need the comb?  How much nectar is coming in?  How warm is it.  Heat helps.  Nectar coming in is essential.  The need for comb will override other aspects.

[BeeMaster2]

When the bees have to hold the sugar/honey in their honey stomach, as they do when they swarm, this triggers their body to produce large quantities of wax. I used to have pictures of bees from a swarm with balls of wax hanging from the bottom side of their abdomen. I suspect that they were balled up from bees bumping into each other.
Jim

[Ben Framed]

Thanks Stinger13, Michael Bush, and sawstmakr. I appreciate your sharing the information. Seems I am always learning here. Good stuff, again, Thanks fellows....
Phillip