Plywood hive components

[JB]

Is there any chance the chemicals used to make the plywood can get into the honey or hurt the bees?

[CBEE]

Standard plywood I would say no. Some exterior grade plywood just uses a waterproof type glue to put the plys together and would not be a problem BUT Pressure treated exterior YES, the pressure treatment chemical could get into the honey and possibly kill your bees.

[bassman1977]

This was discussed to some level in this thread.

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php?topic=7339.0

Some exterior grade plywood just uses a waterproof type glue to put the plys together and would not be a problem BUT Pressure treated exterior YES, the pressure treatment chemical could get into the honey and possibly kill your bees.

There are reputable bee equipment manufacturers (without looking, Mann Lake I believe is one of them) who sell treated migratory covers.  I can't believe they would be selling them if it was harmful to your bees or could get into your honey in anyway.

[JB]

The glue is what I am worried about, from what I have read most plywood glues contain formaldehyde. Not talking pressure treated stuff just plain old plywood. I would like to make a cover like Mr. Bush shows on his site, but not if there is a chance of it getting into the honey. Thanks

[pdmattox]

I have seen 1/4 plywood used to make four frame nucs and nothing happed to those bees or any of the others that were run through them. plywood is usally used for tops and bottoms and if you are concered let it sit out side to air out.

[dlmarti]

Exterior grade plywood (but not the dipped stuff), uses phenol formaldehyde glues, which do not out gas.

The EcoDesign Foundation 5 cautions that glues used in plywood manufacture can have emissions which are potential health hazards. They call this 'outgassing'. Interior-grade plywoods contain urea formaldehyde glues which outgas at room temperature, while the phenol formaldehyde glues used in exterior grade plywood do not. The Foundation says that many architects, therefore, specify exterior grades of ply for interior use.

[Dick Allen]

Much of my woodenware is made of plywood as I used to get throwaway scrap pieces from work before I retired. The bees have been quite happy with their homes (except, of course, when I open them up and pester the inhabitants  :-D ). The honey tastes good, too.

[qa33010]

    I use plywood for inner covers and outer covers.  Mainly because of the weight.  No problems.

[CBEE]

Bassman
There is more than one type of treatment used. Not all of them are non-toxic. I would agree that if they are selling hive parts made of plywood they are not treated with anything that would affect bees or honey. Someone that walks into home depot and buys a sheet of treated plywood or lumber without checking out what chemicals were used may be putting something into their hive they dont want there.

[bassman1977]

No debate.

For curiosity's sake, I'm going to contact them and see what it is treated with.  I'll report my findings.

[bassman1977]

For curiosity's sake, I'm going to contact them and see what it is treated with.  I'll report my findings.

That was easy.  The lady that answered said it was arsenic free, food grade wood preservative.  She didn't have the exact name for me.

[JB]

Thanks everyone, I will see what I can find in my area.

[CBEE]

  That was easy.  The lady that answered said it was arsenic free, food grade wood preservative.  She didn't have the exact name for me.

Thats good to hear. CCA is still used as a pressure treating wood preservative. The " A " stands for arsenic  :shock:

[limyw]

Water proof plywood did not cause any problem to my bee and honey. Bees would fan away unwanted gases emitted from board.

[buzzbee]

Remember one other thing too: Homes are put together more airtight than a beehive with many different chemical components.Pvc plumbing,vinyl flooring.stained trims,liquid nails,house wrap,fiberglass,gypsum,and many more.Bees often propolize the wood inside too,sealing the outgassing to the exterior.