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TheBeekeeper · 26-11-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Gurr

"Christina Websell" wrote in message
...
I hear that the same company is going to market plastic beehives as
they've noticed an upsurge in interest about beekeeping.

I do not keep bees, but my friend does and she says a plastic beehive will
not work.
But what does that matter when a profit is to be made?

Depends on the type of plastic. A commercial beekeeping company near me has
used polystyrene hives for many years with great success. Up here in the
northern highlands of Scotland, the extra insulation of polystyrene is a
definate advantage in the winter although they are more damage prone

Phil
(beekeeper)

High density polystyrene hives are very popular in many other northern European countries. In Germany for example, one of the major suppliers of beekeeping equipment does not list a single wooden hive in its catalogue.

They are available in the UK from about £50.00 upwards, and as Phil says, they provide outstanding warmth for the bees. However, make sure you choose one made of high density expanded polystyrene. There are a few around made from sheet insulation and should be avoided.