Poly hives ?

nhbloke · September 23, 2006, 07:53:22 PM

Has anybody tried to make hive parts out if the blue polystyrene from home depot. Did it work out well or not. Would it be better than wood for a cold NH winter or stop the hive from heating up in the spring? John

Mici · September 24, 2006, 04:06:54 AM

wood is #1 it's a great insulator plus it "breathes". no material beats wood when it comes to keeping, at least in my opinion, and i think many agree.

Michael Bush · September 24, 2006, 11:41:06 AM

I've tried wrapping in styrofoam and I've tried styrofoam hives (Beemax and those nucs from Betterbee). There's more conendsation in them. In both cases I was dealing with nucs so it's hard to say how a full strength hive would do in a foam hive. Those who like them love them and those who don't seem to hate them.

Finsky · September 25, 2006, 05:53:05 AM

Quote from: Miciwood is #1 it's a great insulator plus it "breathes". no material beats wood when it comes to keeping, at least in my opinion, and i think many agree.

Yes but, moisture condensates on wood and moisture goes in winter into wood. Wood does not "breath" not more than styrofoam.

Polystryrene construction boar is too soft in hives.

mick · December 02, 2006, 01:55:35 AM

One of the videos on the net, from germany I think, the lady uses green styrofoam or similar purpuse made hives. They seem to work well, although they make that noise when you move em.

Jorn Johanesson · December 17, 2006, 07:05:23 PM

Well I have had 300 hives Styropor! Have been moving those around in my country! I was able to carry two two boxes LS one in each hand. We have damp weather here in Denmark. There is no more wooden hives production here, same goes for Norway, and I think Sweeden is following up also. Finsky also have informed that poly takes over in Suomi Finland.

Robo · December 17, 2006, 09:38:54 PM

Quote from: nhbloke on September 23, 2006, 07:53:22 PM
Has anybody tried to make hive parts out if the blue polystyrene from home depot.

It is not very tolerant of UV and deteriorates in a year or so if in sunlight. If you try using it, make sure you paint it.

Finsky · December 18, 2006, 02:59:57 AM

Many in Finland has made own hives from insulating styrofoam board but after my experience it is too soft. It makes a lot troubles and in beekeeping you have something else to do than repair your "poor man's tuning". Even some industrial products are too soft for bees.

Poly hives ?

Jorn Johanesson