How do honeybees use propolis inside a hive?

Honeybees collect propolis—a brownish, resinous material gathered from the buds of trees—to maintain the structural integrity and hygiene of their hive.123

Within the context of beekeeping, bees utilize this substance in two primary ways:

• Sealing: They use it as a cement to seal cracks and gaps in the hive, which helps protect the colony from the elements and potential intruders.123
• Covering: They apply it to cover foreign objects that enter the hive which the bees are unable to remove, effectively isolating them to maintain a clean environment.12

By using this "bee glue," the colony ensures its nest remains a secure and well-maintained space for the queen, the brood, and the storage of food resources.12