I am in the Western Cape area in South Africa where almost all hives are
constructed from pine wood which is relatively soft and the most cost
effective material.  I have been recommended to treat the hives by dipping
them into a heated mixture of creosote : linseed oil @ 50:50 (hot enough so
that a vapour starts appearing on the surface),for ten minutes.  My question
is, what wood is used to construct your hives and is it a hardwood?  Is
linseed oil enough or should I add the creosote?  Untreated pine wouldn't
last very long at all and I am aware that linseed oil adds strength to wood
but does it protect it from wood boring insects and fungi?

Regards
Mel Kayton

-----Original Message-----
From: Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Good-Rich
Sent: 29 January 2001 01:56
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Hive Painting


We have switched to linseed oil exclusively for protecting our hives. Have a
large plastic container with the oil in bottom, use 4" brush to spread and
soak hive body inside and out, brush off excess and stack to dry with small