Polystyrene bee hives

[gazh]

Hi all, ive just got myself an allotment and the owner says bees are very welcome. ive been doing the usual research and intend on becoming fully educated on the subject before i invest in a hive etc.

Ive been looking into the hives and wonder which is the best way forward?

i dont want to fork out for a new hive as this will cost a lot!!
National Beehive Canadian Western Red Cedar & Free Stand Worth £20 | eBay
so, the options are a pre-owned hive?
eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace
build my own national bee hive? (cost of wood ATM is putting me off) Drawings of National Bee Hive Component Parts
or new polystyrene hive?
Polystyrene National Bee Hive. Please read discription. | eBay
the idea of a poly hive seems silly but they get a really god write up in an article ive read, so has anyone any experience with these hives? are these the ones that i need to be pricing up?
any help will be appreciated
gaz

[Tracebe]

Hi GazH,

The guy I share an orchard with has polystyrene hives and they are really strong colonies, coped with no problems at all over the winter.
I personally think it comes down to your preference aslong as your bees are managed well then it doesnt really matter which one you provide for em :0)

[Mrs Dobby]

Only problem with polystyrene is sterilizing it, wood can be scorched to kill off any diseases, polystyrene would melt.

[bigal123_123]

poly hives are fine can be sterilized with most disinfectants, colonys also do alot better over winter also build up quicker in spring.

[gazh]

ok thanks for the replies, ill save up for the polystyrene one and get swatting up :-)

[purplekat]

Am I the only one wondering what stops them blowing away in the wind? I had a look at the link and am none the wiser

[vicky]

A brick on top?
The weight of the colony should keep them on the ground once big enough, I have rocks on all my (wooden) hives 'just in case'
I think they are recommended for people with bad backs as they're lighter.

[insy]

Polysterene hives are fairly strong but everything has it's weakness's and positives. I was thinking about switching mine to these but im holding off.

Polysterene hives are cheaper, dont need preserve the wood unlike plywood hives (if you have plywood instead of cedar), there lighter than wooden hives + also great for insulation throughout the winter.

But there not as strong as cedar/plywood, there lighter which may be a problem if not straped down in heavy winds or open areas, cleaning them can be a little problem, with wooden if a section needs replacing and you've used screws you can dismantle the parts and replace unlike polysterene you'd have to buy a complete part again.

Also do you have a problem with things such as mice? rats? as polysterene wll be very easy for them to chew through.

I carried on using plywood + cedarwood hives because where mine ar eplaced its very windy, even with bricks on the roofs i worry at time.

[Madasafish]

Poly hives must be painted with masonry paint to stop UV degrading them: after that they tend to be unattractive to predators.

Our apiary has tried them out - they can be repaired and if you vaseline the runners, propolis is not a problem.

My topbar hives incorporate Celotex - a poly insulation board - in some of them - the difference in colony vigour is noticeable.

[Tracebe]

I have a poly nuc hive that has been on the go for a couple of weeks now (with a brick on top) and I'm really pleased with it. Bees are doing well, I thought it would cause a problem in the heat but all is good, will def get another when needed.

[insy]

Yes Poly Nucs + Mating Hives are better due tot he smaller amount of bees its easier for them to keep heated, meaning a better build up for them and less stores and energy is wasted in keeping the brood warm.

I will be switching to Poly Nucs + Poly Mating Nucs soon but ill stick with my Plywood/Cedar National Hives.

[sir david]

mmm not so keen
1 Plastics are they safe ?
2 I have seen what a woodpecker can do to one .

David