North Carolina Bee School Practice Exam

Bees use the process of evaporating moisture from nectar and then capping it with wax to store it in the comb. When bees collect nectar from flowers, it often contains a high percentage of water, which needs to be reduced to create honey. To achieve this, bees actively reduce the moisture content by fanning their wings over the nectar, creating a warm airflow that encourages evaporation.

Once the moisture level is sufficiently low, typically around 17-18%, the bees cap the honey with a thin layer of wax. This sealing process helps to preserve the honey, keeping it safe from bacteria and other contaminants, ensuring a long shelf life. This method of storage is crucial for the hive's survival, especially during periods when flying conditions are poor or when flowers are not available for foraging.

In contrast, the other options describe processes that do not accurately reflect how bees store nectar. While fermentation does occur in honey if moisture content is too high or if it is stored improperly, it is not a part of the normal nectar storage process. Mixing nectar with pollen does happen but is primarily for feeding purposes rather than for long-term storage. Additionally, refrigeration is not a method used by bees; they rely on natural processes to prepare and preserve their honey