At 10:52 PM 9/21/97 +0100, you wrote:
>Hi All
>
>Why not try vaseline to ensure that the bees do not propolise.
>
>I am a first year beekeeper and I have just acquired a third hive. I gave it
>a liberal coat of vaseline on the crownboard and on the faces of the frames
>and on the frame lugs and on the frame runners.
>
>I really enjoy working this vaselined hive - no trouble wrestling with the
>frames and annoying the bees, and lifting the crownboard for a quick peek is
>child's play.
>
>Is there any down side to vaseline, because to me at any rate, it seems to
>be all advantage?.
 
Dear friend,
   I don't know if their is a downside to the vaseline or not, but you
must realize that propolis is important to the colony and you should not try
to prevent the bees from making it for the following reasons:
 1). Propolis is used as a waterproofing agent and protects against bacteria,
     molds, yeasts, fungi, etc.
  If you have any further questions or comments please respond to :
 
Jeff Barnett
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retired(for now) queen producer.