Pine wood is the most common wood used in beehive components since it is easy to use and cheaper. However, it is vulnerable to weather changes. Beekeepers resolve to paint their hives to extend their life span. The hives may last only for a few years without such protection from harsh weather elements. Cedar and cypress are more durable woods and tend to last long without any form of coating. However, they are pricey and less available. Here is the best color to use on your bee boxes.

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What is the best color for bee boxes?

The color you paint on the beehive depends on your region. White is suited for warmer climates. Light color helps to reflect a lot of light and heat. On the other hand, darker colours, such as brown or green, are suited for cooler regions. In a cold region, it is best to have a color that absorbs heat. However, if your beehives are not in direct sun, the paint color will not have an effect on the inside temperature. Some beekeepers opt to paint the various boxes of the hive with different colours so that they tell them apart. This is so, especially if using shallow and medium boxes. Others prefer colors that camouflage with the environment to hide their colonies from vadalizers. 

What are the benefits of painting a beehive?

Besides protecting the hive components from the elements, beekeepers also paint their hives for anaesthetic purposes. It is also satisfying to have an attractive apiary, especially if the hives are near your home. The various colours and patterns may also help the bees spot their hives as they return from foraging. This prevents drifting to other colonies, which can cause the spread of diseases and parasites such as varroa mites. 

Some of the ways that a beekeeper can paint the hive boxes?

A beekeeper can always paint a hive in a way that pleases them. Moreover, it is not a permanent choice and can change as they desire. If you want to transform the hive, you just need to apply a little sanding and put on a new coat. Some mostly used options include a mix-and-match look using various colors. This helps the forager’s bees to identify their hives. Another way includes using a particular colour for the entire hive. Another option entails a camouflage-style paint allowing the hives to blend into the environment and avoid attracting curious visitors or neighbours. 

When is the best time to paint a hive?

Painting of a hive should be done before the bees occupy it. This will make the process easy and minimise bees’ exposure to the chemicals in the paint. You don’t want the bees flying all over you, landing in the wet paint, or getting covered with it.  After painting, you should allow the hive to off-gas for about a week or more. This limits the exposure of bees to the chemicals. Due to unavoidable circumstances, beekeepers often need to paint hives when bees are already occupying them. In such a situation, you will need to paint early in the morning, wear protective gear and minimise disturbance as much as possible. 

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Which parts of the hive should you paint?

You should only paint the hive exterior. The super-skilled creatures will take care of the interior with their propolis. The propolis also helps to seal cracks and sanitise the interior too. You should start with the bottom board and landing board. Be sure to paint the seams, corners, and exposed joints. When done, move on to the other boxes and the telescoping top. Only the wooden surfaces exposed to the elements should be painted. Avoid painting the inner cover, frames, inner cover, inside walls of boxes, and inside of the telescoping top. The bottom board and the top are usually the first parts of beehives to fail since they are the main protectors. You should consider using a hive stand to prolong the life of the wooden ware.