The sticky, spitty glue honeybees use to mummify intruders

Science · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: We know honeybees for their golden nectar, but they have a much grittier side. Using a substance called propolis, these industrious insects create a biological sealant that can effectively mummify intruders, turning potential threats into preserved specimens within the hive.

While the Western honeybee, Apis mellifera, is famous for producing honey, its survival depends on more than just sugar. To protect their colonies, honeybees utilize a substance known as propolis. This substance acts as a form of 'spitty glue' that bees use to seal gaps and, quite literally, mummify intruders that find their way into the nest. This unique resin serves as a vital defensive tool for the colony. By sealing off cracks, they maintain a secure environment.

The production of honey is a complex biochemical process. Foragers use a tube-like tongue called a proboscis to sip nectar from flowers. This nectar is stored in a specialized organ known as a honey stomach, or crop. Unlike a regular stomach, the honey stomach does not digest the liquid; instead, it uses enzymes to begin breaking down sugars while other compounds help preserve the nectar during transport.

The logistics of honey production are highly precise. A single forager can carry a maximum of approximately 0.04 milliliters of nectar at a time. Once delivered to the hive, this nectar is roughly 70% water—a concentration that would normally allow bacteria to thrive. To prevent spoilage, bees fan their wings over the substance for hours to evaporate the moisture until it reaches about 18%. They then seal the cell with a wax cap, creating a long-lasting food source for the colony. This reduction in moisture is essential for long-term storage. It ensures the honey remains a stable resource for the entire hive.

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