How do bees enhance their immune system?

Bees enhance their immune system primarily through the consumption of specific resins and propolis. Propolis is a sticky substance that bees collect from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. When bees create propolis, they mix these resins with beeswax and their saliva to form a compound that has natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This material is used to seal gaps in the hive and protect it from pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of disease. Propolis has also been shown to stimulate the immune responses of bees, making them more resilient against infections and contributing to the overall health of the colony.

In contrast, while foraging activities are vital for gathering food resources, they do not directly enhance the immune system. Similarly, bonding with other colonies might facilitate genetic diversity or resource sharing, but it does not specifically bolster individual bees’ or the colony’s immune defenses. Maintaining hive temperature is essential for brood development and overall hive health but does not directly relate to immune enhancement. Thus, the consumption of resins and propolis stands out as the most directly beneficial practice for enhancing the immune system of bees.