Beehives require several maintenance tasks to survive for several decades. One of the ways to increase their lifespan is by painting. Painting helps to protect beehives from weather elements since they are placed outdoors year-round. It also gives better temperature control. The most common type of wood used in making hives is pine, and if left exposed can deteriorate with time. Besides painting, you can also stain, apply vanish, or wax dip the hive parts for protection. 

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Should you paint the inside of bee boxes?

The inside of the hive should be left with raw wood. It should be kept as natural as possible to avoid any chemical contamination to the buzzing creatures. If you paint the inside, it continue to off-gas for an extended period of time. This odour will affect the bees and may also interfere with the smell of honey. If the scent is too strong and disturbing, the bees may abscond the hive since they are used to raw wood in nature. The natural wood helps absorb moisture inside the hive, limiting mold growth. It also allows honey to mature faster, making the process easier for bees.  

Can you paint a hive with the bees inside?

Painting an empty hive is like a walk in the park,  and you can do it at your leisure. But it is also possible to paint a hive with the bees in it by taking several precautions to protect the bees and yourself too. There is no need to relocate the bees if they only need a coat of paint. The best time to paint is early in the morning before the sun rises and the bees get busy with their operations. When the sun rises, it triggers myriad activities in the hive, and they begin their daily chores. 

You should make sure to use bee-safe paint and start from the back coming to the front. Bees are usually less concerned with activities happening at the back of the hive and are likely to ignore any disturbance. You should also ensure to wear protective clothing to protect yourself from the wrath of the bees. The unusual disturbance may cause them to become defensive. After initial coating, you should add several other coatings on other separate days. Ensure to do the painting with minimal disturbance to the colony. However,work efficiently and quickly to get the job done fast. 

What are the best paint to use on a hive?

The best paint to use on a hive is that with a low VOC level( Volatile Organic compounds). VOCs are the amount of fumes the paint off-gasses while drying. It is advisable to use paint with a VOC level of less than 100, though a level of less than 50 is better. The paint should also be of high quality to protect it from the elements. 

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What type of color is best for hives?

When it comes to color, you should choose a light color that doesn’t absorb heat. Light colors help to reflect heat. Dark colors can cause internal temperatures to be unbearable, especially in the heat of summer. However, they can be used in cold areas. Honey bees see colors though differently from us. Beekeepers paint hives differently to help bees navigate back to their homes. If you have several colonies in the apiary, it prevents the drifting of bees to other hives. Some beekeepers use a color that rhymes with their house or the environment to prevent vandalizers from accessing their colonies.