Guilfordbeekeepers.org

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.

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.

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.

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

Thanks for the good info.