A timber hive left unprotected becomes unusable within a few years. Paint and preservative extend its life many times over.

The basic rule

Only the outer surface is painted. No paint or preservative is applied inside.

The bees coat the inner surface with propolis themselves, which is natural and sufficient protection. Anything applied inside can pass into honey and wax.

Choosing a product

• Products safe for bees and food, with low solvent content, are preferred
• Water-based exterior paints are widely used
• Natural oil-based preservatives are also used; they let the timber breathe
• Heavy-duty wood preservatives are not used

Drying time — the most neglected point

A hive is not put into use until the paint is fully dry and the smell has completely gone.

The smell can cause the colony to reject the hive or to be restless. Waiting a few weeks is sensible.

Choosing colours

• Light colours: Reduce heating in hot regions
• Dark colours: Help make use of the sun in cold regions
• Different colours: Reduce drifting; bees find their own hive more easily

That last point matters: identical hives set in a straight row cause drifting, with the ends of the row growing strong and the middle weak.

Colours the bees can distinguish, and distinct shapes near the entrances, both work.

Application

• Clean the surface first; scrape off propolis and wax
• The hive must be dry
• Do not neglect the edges of the entrance and the joints
• Take care if painting box edges; boxes can stick together

The maintenance cycle

Paint is renewed every few years. The parts that wear most are the roof, the floor and the area around the entrance.

This work belongs to the winter months, when the hives are empty.

An alternative

Some beekeepers scorch the timber lightly with a flame instead of painting. The method involves no chemicals and provides disinfection at the same time.