My purpose for re-starting the discussion of polystyrene hive beekeeping was to get more facts on the table concerning what folks are using, why they are using polystyrene, and specific business case results (which seem mostly missing at present). Bee supply companies that sell polystyrene should have a lot of marketing information but I don't see it yet.
The original referenced discussion with Victor Croker at Australian Honey Company revealed that his outfit runs 450 out of 600 hives in the Finnish polystyrene "Paradise Honey Bee Box" system and they notice a distinct difference in performance during extreme heat (46 C, 115 F). They found the polystyrene hives produced 30 to 50% more honey when compared to wooden hives at the same locations and in the same conditions. Maybe there would be less dramatic results in more moderate, temperate climates?
His discussion of operations including 8 migratory moves for their bees in 2015 is worth a listen. Why do these poly hives with no upper ventilation have no condensation? Victor's logic and explanation for why these hives excel is interesting. Go to minute 15:30 at podcast #84. http://kiwimana.co.nz/victor
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