Wax Foundation Vs. Wax Coated Plastic Foundation for Package Bees

jataylor · April 17, 2012, 09:05:59 PM

New Beekeeper and I am installing a package of bees in a new hive. Looking for advice on whether to use wax coated plastic foundation or wax foundation for brood. I realize it is somewhat late in season and I want to give my bees the best chance of being successful at drawing comb.

backyard warrior · April 17, 2012, 09:29:44 PM

its all a preference i use plastic foundation not into wiring frames bees seem to like wax foundation better

stella · April 17, 2012, 10:56:53 PM

Newbee here.
I use plastic foundation with a beeswax coating. The bees like it! So I do too! :-D

AllenF · April 17, 2012, 11:36:23 PM

The plastic is reusable after loosing a hive to moths or beetles. May want to repaint it with wax, but it is still there. And the black foundation is really good for spotting eggs.

duck · April 17, 2012, 11:53:27 PM

affirmative, black pierco, do it youll see. I had my doubts at first, its on now. just feed them like crazy to get them to draw it out.

Dimmsdale · April 18, 2012, 01:23:23 PM

I've used wired wax before, but by far my favorite is Duragilt. It is plastic coated with bees wax. The sides are reinforced with metal bands. Super strong and very easy to install. Bees draw it out quickly. That is my recommendation.

BjornBee · April 18, 2012, 02:44:51 PM

Late in the season?

jataylor · April 19, 2012, 10:15:51 AM

Thanks to all for their advice. It's great to have such a wide range network to get advice. As for the point about "late in the season" I wasn't able to get my package until April 28, a month or so after most folks got their bees here in NVA, so I'm behind on their ability to draw out the comb and get with the program. That was the concern about giving my bees the best possible chance of success. Not knowing whether plastic or wax was the best, I turned to the forum. Will be going with black wax-coated plastic and will let you all know the results. Should have a report about the middle of May!

mikecva · April 19, 2012, 02:29:37 PM

Burke VA, is that west of Springfield? If so I am just north of you in Leesburg.

I have been using plastic coated foundation that you can get at Bushy Mountain, Mann Lake and others. I like the plastic for the durability during extraction and not worrying about the heat during storage. There is a good bee club that meets at the Loudoun Fairgrounds ( I do not know of one by you) but we do have members as far away as Warrenton and Winchester.

Welcome the the forum and bee keeping. :cheer: :cheer: -Mike

beyondthesidewalks · April 19, 2012, 02:39:45 PM

I've gone foundationless but have used about every option. Cant' stand duragilt (some people call it duracrap!) because the bees will work it bald in spots and then never do anything with those bald spots. Plastic is OK. Still have a bunch of super frames with plastic foundation and they are tough as nails. The woodenware will give before the comb and foundation do. Wax works well but needs reinforcement (to me that's a pain). I have gotten away from purchasing any wax products for the hive because I don't want to expose my bees to the chemicals/pesticides they're finding in wax these days. Good luck with your choice. They all work. Some of us just have different opinions and experiences with them.