Harvesting Beeswax: From Hive to Market-Ready Product
This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.
Beeswax is a valuable by-product of beekeeping in South Africa, used in cosmetics, candles, balms, and polishes.
Harvesting and processing beeswax allows beekeepers to earn extra income and reduce waste from old combs and cappings.
This guide explains how to collect, clean, and prepare beeswax for resale or use.
When to Harvest Beeswax
- During honey extraction when removing wax cappings
- After melting down old brood comb or broken frames
- When cleaning out deadouts or replacing old wax in frames
Sources of Beeswax
- Cappings wax: From honey comb during extraction; clean and light-coloured
- Brood comb: Darker and less pure but yields more wax
- Comb scraps: Bits of burr comb, brace comb, or damaged sections
Tools and Equipment
- Wax melter or double boiler
- Cheesecloth or cotton strainer
- Moulds (silicone or metal)
- Knife or scraper
- Bucket or stainless-steel pot
Step-by-Step Wax Processing
Step 1: Collect the Wax
- Scrape or cut off wax cappings from honey frames
- Gather scraps from comb clean-outs
- Store in clean containers away from dirt or pests
Step 2: Clean the Wax (Melting Process)
- Use a double boiler or solar wax melter
- Never place wax directly on open flame—it’s flammable
- Heat slowly until wax melts completely (60–65°C)
Step 3: Filter the Wax
- Pour through cheesecloth or strainer into another container
- Remove bee parts, propolis, and debris
- For best results, filter twice
Step 4: Mould and Cool
- Pour filtered wax into blocks or puck-shaped moulds
- Let cool slowly at room temperature
- Scrape off sediment layer once hardened
Step 5: Store or Sell
- Store in a dry, dark place
- Label by source (cappings vs. brood) and weight
- Sell to local crafters, beauty makers, or candle businesses
Tips for Clean Wax
- Use only food-safe containers
- Don’t overheat—burnt wax smells bad and loses quality
- Avoid mixing brood comb wax with cappings if selling for cosmetics
Value-Added Ideas
- Make beeswax candles or tealights
- Sell cleaned wax to local pharmacies or soapmakers
- Package in small blocks with labels for craft markets
Final Thoughts
Beeswax adds an income stream and reduces waste in your operation.
By harvesting clean cappings and filtering properly, South African beekeepers can turn a by-product into a marketable, sustainable product used in homes, farms, and workshops across the country.