John Harbo measured hive temperatures, and tracheal mite population trends, in
dark and white hives. It's in Dec 92 ABJ, proceedings of the ABRC, p 808.
 They were pretty small colonies. He found the dark hives got too hot (40 C)
produced less brood and honey, but the tracheal mite population was reduced.
 
Even though we get some hot days in the summer here, dark hives don't seem to
suffer (by then they are 5 boxes of bees).
 
Dipping in paraffin seems a good treatment, once you set up for it. I wouldn't
recommend creosote or Cuprinol. I like the corner to corner 2 tone idea.
 
Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
1201 103 Ave
Dawson Creek B.C.
        V1G 4J2  CANADA          Tel (604) 784-2225     fax (604) 784-2299
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