Peter Edwards wrote

> Does anyone have any information on the safety of tanalised timber in hive
> construction?

I assume when you talk about tanalised timber it is the CCA - copper, chrome
arsenic.  Research has shown that if you use CCA treated timber in exposed
areas of the hive e.g. supers, then you will get residues in the honey and
probably the beeswax.

Recommendations here in Australia are only the bottom cleats on the bottom
boards and stands, which are used to keep hives away from cane toads, can be
treated with CCA as these are not in direct contact with the bees.  Often
the bottom cleats are also painted which helps.  Even painting supers that
have been CCA treated will not stop leaching through the paint.

Frames are not treated with any preservative as they are in the hive and not
exposed to the weather so are not subject to decay (rot).  The exception
would be if you have upper entrances in hives where you offset the super and
here ends of frames will be exposed.  However, it would be for such a short
time that decay would not be a problem.

Trevor Weatherhead
AUSTRALIA