Jorn Johanesson  wrote about  polystyrene hives  'Hives of this polyester
type must be painted for UV protection.'

Well that's what most people say. But last year I come by a beekeeper who does not paint. And looks like it works. UV radiation turns the surface yellow and softer, but it only affects 1 - 2 mm deep. Boxes that were 5 years old had not more damage than the ones that were 2 years old. As far as I could say there is no need. The beekeepers says that the light yellow colour is fine for him, and painting is too much work and money for the paint.

I would like to hear other experience from people who really have old unpainted boxes. For the interested ones I recommend to leave one box without paint next spring, and see what happens on the next 5 years.

I would stop painting mine, but I have to take lots of pictures for our magazine, and coloured ones look nicer. Also my wife has more eye for beauty. She demanded the painting, as she works with bees too. Wise men obey ...

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