I have used celotex to make Layens hives and nucs, but I've used it to cover pine boxes (18mm pine from old wardrobes, book cases etc) as I didn't think the bees would like the foil inside. I will have to try just PIR board next time! Made the lids same as Phil's, no wood to rot.
I have thought of using this material too but my concern has been propolis...if using a hive too to get rhe lid unstuck, i imagine youll pierce the thin foil membrane. Also, lightning??
Hello Michael, im thinking of going with a Japanese pile hive, would you know if western bees prefer to build up or down, Japanese add the empty boxes to the bottom, TIA jimmy
Bees naturally build downwards, but will store honey above the brood, which is why western hives are supered above brood boxes (Latin super = above). Some hive designs, such as the Warré, require boxes to be added below, but that means lifting all the other boxes...
None of the aluminium is in an area which would contact honey unless you scrape the burcomb off and crush it. Plus, of course, aluminium is vermin-proof. I'd add stainless steel mesh to the outside of the drains to keep other insects, mice, and rats out, and make some plugs for any entrances that aren't in use by the bees - I'm a firm believer in single entrances, as they'd rarely have additional entrances in the wild (so they can and do cope perfectly well with just one 2"/50mm entrance or even smaller, and still dry nectar into honey in any climate that bees can survive in), and additional entrances rarely get guarded properly.
The aluminium will never make direct contact with honey or nectar. My only concern is that the bees may be able to nibble through the thin foil that is bonded to the foam, but if they do, I can easily patch it with aluminium tape.
Very interesting.
Well done 👍🏽❤️❤️❤️
Lots of great info thank you Phil.
I have used celotex to make Layens hives and nucs, but I've used it to cover pine boxes (18mm pine from old wardrobes, book cases etc) as I didn't think the bees would like the foil inside. I will have to try just PIR board next time! Made the lids same as Phil's, no wood to rot.
I have thought of using this material too but my concern has been propolis...if using a hive too to get rhe lid unstuck, i imagine youll pierce the thin foil membrane. Also, lightning??
wax moth eats it way thrugh!
Hopefully, wax moth won't be an issue.
My experience with this foam board is that it will be infiltrated by ants eventually. They love the stuff.
Interesting. I will look out for that. I doubt they will be able to penetrate the aluminium tape, however.
This side down to advertise their maker? 😊
I'll be interested to see if the bees accept a reflective hive.
Seen the end. They look happy with the result 👏
What about mice and rat chewing and making nests in the foam? If I leave a stack of polystyrene anywhere they make nests real quick
Hello Michael, im thinking of going with a Japanese pile hive, would you know if western bees prefer to build up or down, Japanese add the empty boxes to the bottom, TIA jimmy
Bees naturally build downwards, but will store honey above the brood, which is why western hives are supered above brood boxes (Latin super = above). Some hive designs, such as the Warré, require boxes to be added below, but that means lifting all the other boxes...
Bluepeter on steroids, lol
I heard once that you should avoid using aluminum in hives, especially in areas that could would contact honey. Is that not a concern?
None of the aluminium is in an area which would contact honey unless you scrape the burcomb off and crush it. Plus, of course, aluminium is vermin-proof.
I'd add stainless steel mesh to the outside of the drains to keep other insects, mice, and rats out, and make some plugs for any entrances that aren't in use by the bees - I'm a firm believer in single entrances, as they'd rarely have additional entrances in the wild (so they can and do cope perfectly well with just one 2"/50mm entrance or even smaller, and still dry nectar into honey in any climate that bees can survive in), and additional entrances rarely get guarded properly.
The aluminium will never make direct contact with honey or nectar. My only concern is that the bees may be able to nibble through the thin foil that is bonded to the foam, but if they do, I can easily patch it with aluminium tape.