What is Wood Rot

¹ There are two broad classes of wood-rotting macrofungi. Fungi which decompose cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin leave the wood very pale in colour and often with a fibrous to stringy consistency. This is called white rot.

Fungi which can decompose only cellulose and hemicellulose leave the wood coloured brown and, rather than fibrous, cracked into cubical fragments. This is known as brown rot.

What hive equipment

There are 3 main wood items you should treat :

1. Supers;

2. Lid Rims;

3. Bottom Board risers.

All pine is subject to rot, so clearer board rims and box cleats should also be considered.

How to Treat hive equipment

There are 3 preferred methods:

1. Dip the timber in liquid bees wax;

2. Soak in boiled linseed oil thinned with Mineral Turpentine;

It is essential to allow the timber to dry in the SHADE  after treatment or they will warp, and to ensure the paint will adhere. Drying time can vary from 1 week to 6 weeks depending on time of year and conditions.

Painting

White is the coolest colour in summer and warmest in winter;

Enamel paint has a harder surface than acrylic.

Aluminium paint has a degree of fire resistance compared with other paints, however is much hotter in summer than white paint.

Ref 1: Australian National Botanic Gardens