Herb,
Unpainted hives will also absorb outside moisture, like rain, and make the job
even worse for the bees. I do paint them dark, but we can get away with that in
Maine. In warmer climates you could bake the bees.
Bill Truesdell
Bath, ME
 
Midnitebee wrote:
 
> Greetings!
> Is it not true that you should paint your hives a dark color and besides why
> paint hives at all?..the wood needs to breathe .
> Is it not comprehensible to realize that the pores of the wood helps to rid
> the extra moisture than having the bees expel this moisture through the
> entrance?
> Try to use wood that has a vertical grain ..helps in moisture release.
> Why have my bees do this extra work..I want them busy collecting
> pollen/nectar.
> Comments?