Election sign starter strips

[rufus]

I am considering using the old election signs as starter strips in my frames, but I am unsure if it matters which direction the little openings point.  Does it matter?

[jmblakeney]

Nope, it doesn't matter.  I used the sign for starter strips on my foundationless frames too.  After making about 30 of them I realized that it is much easier and quicker to just flip the wooden wedge and staple it in place.  Saves you the time of cutting each strip for every frame.

James

[Michael Bush]

I know SHB will fit in the gaps... but I don't know what the implications of that are exactly...  wood is more durable.

[rufus]

I think I came across a you tube video where a guy was putting some sort of poison in them for the shb.

[cinch123]

Yeah I saw that. It was fatbeeman putting boric acid in them and sealing the ends with Crisco.

[wadehump]

coroplastic as it is called works great for starter strips , dont know about shb dont have any yet that i have seen.

[rufus]

Hey Guys, you aren't that far from me in Wooster Ohio.  Good to see you!

[Titus]

I had bad luck with election sign starter strips.  The bees either built off to one side of the ss or just started at the bottom of the strip and left the ss out of the comb.  I had better luck just cutting strips of wax foundation for ss. 

[Wits End]

My local hardware store has a large carton of paint stirring sticks right by the checkout. So every time I go in I pick up 3 or 4 (They are free so far). Then when I get ready to put together new frames I split them in half and glue them in the foundation slot then I brush a little of my melted beeswax on them and the bees take right to them. I hope this is helpful to someone.

[Pond Creek Farm]

I received a gift of a complete kit from Mann Lake and there was a lot of plastic foundation.  I also had a friend give me a bunch.  I cut it into strips, pushed it into the grooves of the top bars and hit them with two staples.  They make great starter strips.