Alden Marsh said, in part, " the styrofoam supers do not breath ".
Alden, I am not sure what you mean but styrofoam readily permits an air
exchange and, in some cases moisture wicking. To prevent moisture wicking
one must paint both the inside and outside of styro feeders.
Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene) might be thought of as tiny balls of
plastic clumped together. The manufacturer can control the 'clumping'
(density) but regardless there will still be some amount of porosity. That
is why styrofoam bee equipment should be painted. To seal the material.
Frankly, I don't know whether painted styro will eliminate the natural air
exchange. Perhaps.
Anyone who has used the Bee Max feeders for very long without painting them
has noted the yellow jackets feeding from the outside as well as ants.
Carpenter ants are expert at finding with least dense part of the feeder and
chewing through it to gain access to the inside!
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