CuNap Wood Treatment

lupester said:

I saw this in Mann Lake catalog and wondered if anyone was dipping their hive bodies in this stuff?

One would think if Mann Lake was selling it would be safe but I wondered how the bees handled it since you mix with mineral spirits. It says insect deterrent and i thought bees were insects.

CuNap Wood Treatment
•8% copper as metal
•Oil based preservative and insect deterrent
•Mix ration with mineral spirits: 1:6 for hive bodies 1:3 for ground contact
•5 gallons (18.93 l) treats approximately 250 deep hive bodies

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Interested in info about this too!

I have used this type product for 8 to 10 years and it does a very good job protecting boxes from decay. In October I dip my woodenware for 24 to 48 hours and stack in a storage building to air dry. I let it dry overwinter and change out boxes in the Spring.

There is a study that shows a problem with the bees short term memory after using copper products. The study was done with water based products and it was placed in service immediately. I have never seen any problems with my bees, they survive well and make as large a honey crop as do other beekeepers bees that live in painted equipment.

I have used the water base copper nap before & was very pleased with it.
I'm sure the oil base may even be better.I've got some that was dipped about 10 years ago that is still a good serviceable box,Ain't pretty though.LOL.Mark,,,,,

So do you just dip them or dip then paint?

lupester said:

So do you just dip them or dip then paint?

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I just dip them, That is what I liked about it,Fast & not messy.