Propolis is a mixture of plant resins gathered by the bees from local plant buds or pitch from tree bark, whatever is available to fit their needs: a moldable putty or varnish that the bees
spread over the inside of their nest.
It acts as a building material to adjust the size of openings (restricting the entrance in winter), a physical coating to strengthen and waterproof the nest, and as a chemical barrier to stop
microorganisms from invading the nest. Propolis is harvested by a beekeeper where excess amounts are deposited, or by using a special grid that triggers the bees’ behavior to plug up drafty
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