Plastic Brood Frames

Doug Shaw · Post by **Doug Shaw** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 11:49 am

I have some 3 year old plastic brood frames that have a thin wax coating on them. Got them from Mann Lake. Knowing some do not like plastic at all I was wondering if these would work given their age. They have never been used. Is there anything I should do to make them more attractive to the bees? I was thinking of spraying them with sugar water before installing a package on to them. Also thought of mixing them in between some new un-drawn wax foundation frames.

Post by **Wally** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 1:04 pm

They will use the wax if they have a chance. The only way they will use plastic is if it is all they have. Do not mix it.

Post by **Jacobs** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 5:28 pm

I remember Kurt saying that he melted beeswax and painted it on the plastic foundation to encourage the bees to draw out the plastic. I have not had trouble getting them to draw medium plastic foundation, but have had trouble with the deeps. I have painted some deep foundation but don't have strong enough hives to put these in to try and get them drawn.

Kurt Bower · Post by **Kurt Bower** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 4:10 am

Rob is correct about the plastic foundation.
Medium's seem to be well waxed while deep frames seem to need a little help.
I have not had any problems with bees drawing plastic and age is not a consideration.

Kurt

Doug Shaw · Post by **Doug Shaw** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 12:08 pm

Thanks for the good info.