On Wed, 2 Apr 1997, Allen Dick wrote:
 
> Well, plastic is pretty well the only material used to hold insulation
> for hive wraps in Western Canada any more.  Many beekeepers using it have
> very high success rates.  Black plastic is also very often used for an
> inner cover with as good success as wood.
 
I should be pointed out that although the hives are swathed in plastic, an
effort is made to guarantee enough ventilation to prevent moisture build
up in the hive. This usually consists of an upper entrance about 3" by
1/2" cut through the insulation and kept open by stapling a piece of
plywood with a corresponding slot over the plastic.
 
 
 
Donald Aitken
11710-129 Street
Edmonton Alberta Canada
T5M 0Y7