Plastic hives:
     Plastic bottom boards warp but they are so tough and resistant to rot
and insect damage that I have just put my six colonies back onto them.
The better-constructed ones have a tab in the center of the hive entrance
which helps keep the warping under control.  The tab also makes designing
and installing winter entrance-reducers more of a challenge.
     Plastic hive bodies seem to work fine and are tough.  They may warp,
too.  I've had to tighten some corners by using bigger nails.  The smooth
sides go on the *inside* of the hive body.  One of the ones I was given
had been put together inside out.
     Plastic inner covers do not work; I stopped using them.  They warp.
I suspect they may have water condense on them in winter which the warp
then funnels to drip onto the cluster of bees below.
     Plastic outer covers work fine for me.  They seem indestructible.
     All of my plastic hive parts were given to me; I do not know who
made/sold them.
     I would like to hear more about molded/drawn plastic combs.  Do they
really last forever?
     Can plastic foundation (which mice have chewed the wax from) be
reused if has a thin layer of beeswax poured or wiped onto it?
Tim Sterrett
Westtown School
Westtown, Pennsylvania 19395-1799