In message <[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] writes: > Some years ago I read a book by Taylor which suggested painting hive > bodies with creosote as a preservative. Anyone ever tried it? I found > it hard to believe that the bees would tolerate the creosote fumes. I > would be interested to learn of your experiences. Thank you. Jim Creosote is an 'old fashioned' if economical and effective treatment for hives. I doubt that many beakeepers now use it because the bees _don't_ tolerate it well. If you do use it, only treat the outside of the boxes and give it _plenty_ of time to dry proprly (a few weeks IMHO). It's also _filthy_ stuff to handle -- gets everywhere. Personally I use Western Red Cedar hives which are pretty rot-proof anyway and I give them a good coat of a _bee_friendly_ presenvative. Be warned that there aren't many of these. They also typically need a while to dry out (few days). Another treatment popular in some areas is to 'varnish' the outsides with one of the new-generation porous exterior treatments. I don't know if example product names help across continents, but I personally use Cuprinol Clear preservative & Sadolin 'varnish'. There are several good 'varnishes' but very few *safe* preservatives. Regards, -- Gordon Scott [log in to unmask] Compuserve 100332,3310 Basingstoke Beekeeper [log in to unmask] In the beginning there was darkness and the Lord said "Let there be light" and behold there was ... let: command not found.