In Reply to: Subject: On Pierco plastic frames. > I plan to start two hives with black Pierco frames this coming spring. > The advantages seem to be clear: from cost effectiveness, through better > visibility of eggs, to more cell space. I enjoy using the black as it is easier than the white to see eggs> > > 1. Are package bees really reluctant to draw comb on plastic frames > (unless there is a heavy nectar flow)? (When I get my packages, around > April 21, I expect to have to feed them syrup for a while to let them > build up properly.) > I haven't seen any real issues with building these up. Don't mix with other frames and yes feed , feed, feed. > 2. Are there any concerns about violating bee space in 7/8" hive bodies > ? (One archived post raised the alarm.) I haven't seen any issues with this. Depending on where you woodenware comes from this might be an issue. > > 3. Any problems with inserting 9 plastic frames still be inserted into > a hive body? (One post suggested there must be 10.) I always use 10 and drop to 9 as needed. I don't run 9 frames in the brood area althought I run them in the supers. I also use plastic in the supers however, I use white plastic there. > > 4. Is there any merit to the claims that the plastic material may > outgas and enter wax/honey ? I know we use plastic pails and jars to > store honey. Can it be verified, that Pierco is using the same food > grade plastic material in their frames?? > Haven't heard of any issues. It would be interesting if there was an issue. > If there is a good, solid write-up on this, please let me know. > > I want to play it safe and have a piece of mind. Thank you. > > Waldemar Just some other comments on using plastic. I don't like the complete plastic frame. I like to build wooden frames and insert the plastic in them. The wooden frames don't flex like the plastic frames. I also llike to spray my brood frames with sugar water to the wax build up. I don't spray my honey super frames as I don't want to chance having any sugar water in my honey. The only other issue I had was with the plastic complete frame it would go into my extractor I had to make some cuts to the frame or extractor.. and I choose to cut the frames. BeeFarmer Getting Kids involved in 4H Beekeeping http://www.homestead.com/BeeKeepers/