Is it ok to use treated wood in the support structure of the hive... legs etc? I'm building a new long hive from cypress but I need some 2X4s and it would be nice if I could use treated wood. The treated stuff would not be in contact with the bees while they are inside the hive.
I have no experience doing it but I've seen other do the same. I would think no direct contact would be fine.
Good or bad, I don't know, but I have used it for years. Many beeks use landscaping timbers for stands. They are treated. Heck, I even use cross ties. "creosote"
No Problem.
I use treated for my stands as well. The bees aren't in contact with it. I would't use it for any internal parts, but no different than the treated decks and landscape timbers everywhere.
It should be fine, but if you want an extra layer of protection from casual contact, paint it.
JC
There ain't much difference between treated landscape timbers and the hives sitting on the rails of my back porch.
Yes, I think you guys are right. I am using treated wood for external parts and non-treated for anything inside the hive.