[retiree]

I decided to make my own hive. However, I made the brood supers out of cedar. Will this work, or do I have to throw them away? I know cedar is a repellent for some insects. Thanks for your input.

 

[no1cowboy]

Take a look here

http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237477&highlight=cedar

 

[retiree]

Thanks, I really appreciate the help.

 

[concrete-bees]

we have a LOT of cedar trees here in Washington and most of my wild bees come from the centers of the big trees - seems they dont mind it
but i have noticed that they proplised the entire inside ???
not sure if they would do this in a Hemlock or pine tree

my bottem boards are made of cedar
i made my deep brood boxes out of 3/4 ply and supers are all pine

 

[retiree]

Interesting about the propolis. I did not sand the inside, so it is a little rough. Do you stain and or paint the outside then? Thanks for the info!

 

[no1cowboy]

no dont paint or coat the inside of the hive,

 

[retiree]

Why is that such an important point? Do the bees swarm more often?

 

[no1cowboy]

in my opinion it can be toxic to the bees

 

[retiree]

ok, thanks!

 

[concrete-bees]

as being toxic - i really dont think they mind like i mentioned earlier i find lots of wild hives in cedar - and most have been there for years - with not one cell of new wax -

but the good news is that beekeeping is not craved in stone

if in dought take a split and place it in a cedar hive and take a split and put it in the standard pine hive and set them out to get results

you really wont lose much for trying

but if you have to buy lumber - buy what you can afford - hell some keep bees in styro- and plastic like milk crate hives and i think the bees could really give a hoot - just so long as its dry inside