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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
"Matthew W." <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 1 Dec 2004 08:43:19 -0700
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Milt asks " Is it really possible to scrape the wax from Pierco (and other)
plastic
 foundation and have the bees successfully redraw comb on it. "

If the bees drew wax thick enough to cover the cells imprinted in the
foundation then you'll need to chip the wax away to get the bees to draw it
correctly the next time, revealing the 'imprint' in design you want them to
follow (vs. their imprint left in the wax).  Part of using plastic
foundation is finding/scraping portions of Pierco/Ritecell/etc where the
bees preferred drone cells or brace comb.

Freezing for some is the easiest method to clean plastic.  During the summer
I'll use a power washer followed by a bath in 50-50 bleach/water on old
frames.  If you have possibility of disease you'll need attention in
pressure-washing off 100% of the wax.  You'll find wax/silk flake off easily
and only take a few seconds per side.

No worries on re-coating plastic with wax.  Wax coating simply speeds things
up for the bees but not 'necessary'.   If you're using plastic foundation
then you already know the difficulties getting the bees to draw vs.
wax/waxed.  More-so (difficulties) with unwaxed foundation.  So you'll just
have to stick to the rules -more- on drawing unwaxed foundation: ON a heavy
flow, JUST above the brood nest, One or Two frames mixed in with other drawn
frames, Sprayed lightly with syrup --- & then you'll have to visit the box
every 3 or 4 days to add in more frames, scrape down imperfections, etc, to
get the bees to draw exactly the way you want.  There are other methods to
draw (ie - on large hive & strong flow, entire box of undrawn & drag up 2
frames of brood & place just over the brood nest; feeding to simulate flow
when warm enough to draw), etc.

Once the frames of plastic are drawn they're superior in every way to wax
foundation - or worse, Duragilt.  The 'trick' is getting the stuff drawn
correctly.  Bees prefer wax.  But then that's 'management', getting the bees
to do something the beekeeper prefers...

& BTW - For beginners & hobbyists, I would recommend using Duragilt.  But
for those whom would prefer to 'learn' about managing combs and prefer
durable frames over the long term, plastic -is- your solution.

Matthew Westall - E-Bees - Castle Rock, CO
- thinking the mites are keeping me on edge this winter and may be creating
a Pandora's box come spring

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