> Whenever I have tried to make shook swarms or made splits using NEW 
polystyrene
 > equipment there have always been big problems with absconding.

(EPS boxes are offered by BeeMax, Swienty, and other brands, including 
Beaver Plastics near Edmonton.  BeeMax boxes are shipped knocked down 
and require assembly.  Their design allows cheaper shipping, but the 
design is intrinsically weak due to the way the lock corners are made.  
EPS hives required no winter wrapping and survive well in even the 
coldest climates).

I first noticed a problem when I moved good hives from wood into brand 
new BeeMax boxes just before winter.  They had arrives in fall and I 
wanted to use them right away.  To my surprise, I lost most of those 
hives over winter.

In subsequent winters the EPS hives did noticeably better than wood -- 
once I drilled 1" holes in them and left them open all winter. They are 
also very easy to manage and build up fast in spring -- again, as long 
as they have the holes.  I had assumed that the holes allow the bees to 
notice that spring has come, but in consideration of this discussion, 
there also may be a need for guaranteed air exchange, especially in 
newer boxes.

I also have observed that the varroa builds up more quickly in EPS hives 
than wood, which, I suppose is because the bees raise more brood.

My questions to those who have used EPS for a period of time are:

1.) Do you do anything special to break in the new boxes?  Do you air 
them out, or just use them as-is?
2.) Have you inquired what might be used in manufacture that causes this 
effect?

I have found that pentane gas is used as an expander, but suspect there 
may be anti-bacterial or surfactant additives used in the steam boiler 
and also maybe some anti-bacterial or anti-fungals used in the beads, or 
mold release agents which affect the bees.  We have begun enquiries, but 
will not know for a while as Joe is in Europe right now.

As it stands, I am recommending scattering new boxes out in the sun and 
rain for a while before using, rather than storing them stacked in a 
building.

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