There does seem to be a pattern throughout the world to paint hives white
or some other light colour except where the climate is cool, in which case
dark colours are preferred.  Presumably the idea is that white will reflect
the heat of the sun whereas darker colours will absorb it.  Whilst this
understandable I am suprised it really makes much difference, especially
with wooden hives.  Is there any research to justify it?
 
Another interesting thing is that in New Zealand beekeepers paint their
hives all sorts of random colours.  A hive with a number of supers can be
in several colours at once.  This is said to reduce drifting by making
each hive look different to the bees.  Is there any justification for this?
 
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Malcolm Roe                            Phone  :  +44 442 230000 ext 4104
Crosfield Electronics Ltd              Fax    :  +44 442 232301
Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK    E-mail :  [log in to unmask]
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