After the beekeeper has finished all the work on the design of the hive, he must definitely paint it. This will protect the tree from high humidity, decay process, sharp temperature jumps. Painting the hives is an important stage, with the help of it you can use evidence for a longer time, thus significantly reducing costs ... Please note that not all colors of bees can distinguish, it can be difficult for them to find where their hive is, so you need to choose different paints for bee hives and insects will not have problems finding. Many are worried about the question of what kind of oil, silver or acrylic paint the surface of the hives.
Advantages and disadvantages of painting beehives
- Often, hives are made from wood; it can deteriorate over time due to dampness, different temperature extremes, and high humidity. Only after painting can the wood be kept in good condition.
- Bees are easier to navigate in space using the color of the hives, they know where their home is.
Painting beehives has a drawback - due to paints, the exchange of moisture is disturbed. The paint interferes with the full release of moisture from the hive through the tree, because of this, the bees can suffer from stuffiness in the hive, especially in winter.
Choosing paint for beehives
The outside of the hive is painted oil species... It is distinguished by its stamina and reliability. After it dries completely, it loses its specific smell, which is very important for the bees so that they do not get poisoned. It is forbidden to paint inside the hive, this will disrupt the full exchange of gases and moisture, which is very important for bee nests, this provides a general atmosphere throughout the hive, it is regulated by natural wood, and if it is painted, it will lose all its useful properties.
Inside, it is best to apply propolis on the boards of bees - this product is natural and does not affect gas exchange inside the hive, it has an antimicrobial effect. In the table you can see the features different colors for hives.
Table "Types of paints for coloring beehives"
| Type of paint | Advantages and disadvantages |
| Oil |
|
| Acrylic |
|
| Serebryanka |
|
The value of hive coloring for bees
Please note that insects can distinguish between blue, white, cyan and yellow... Therefore, the hives need to be painted in such colors, after which it is important to arrange them correctly. Some beekeepers refuse to paint, they are sure that the wintering of bees takes place in those houses that are not painted. When the wood is not painted, it differs in its air and moisture permeability. If the hive accumulates a large number of moisture, it can be absorbed into the boards, then begins to come out. So in the house of bees the optimal level of humidity is ensured and mold does not form.
Features of acrylic painting of beehives
In modern beekeeping, acrylic paints are popular, they meet all the rules:
- It is recommended to paint the surface with acrylic paint, because it does not affect the breathability of the hive awn.
- It belongs to an ecological type, it does not contain toxic substances, it is odorless, it can also be used safely, does not burn, does not explode.
- Acrylic is effective for staining because it does not lose color due to the influence of ultraviolet rays.
- This type of paint is characterized by adhesion. They can stick to different surfaces- plywood, wood, plaster, fiberboard, concrete.
- You do not need to buy special solvents, this function is performed by water, with the help of a water-soluble pigment, you can choose the color you need.
- Acrylic paints are convenient to use, you do not need to wait long until they dry, in summer it will take up to one hour, the tool can be easily washed.
- Due to the fact that the type of paint is vapor-permeable, it does not form a fungus under the bottom. Due to the film formed by acrylic, excess moisture evaporates from the painted surface.
- The paint is durable, it can be used for up to 14 years, oil paint can withstand only 4 years.
Preliminary preparation of the hive for painting with acrylic paint
- Fill up all cracks, smooth out irregularities.
- After the putty is dry, sand the unevenness.
Please note that you can only paint the hive with acrylic paint on wood without paint. In the case of application to conifers, you must first de-resin them, for this it is used soda ash... The solution is carefully warmed up, optimum temperature 60 degrees, then wiped with a brush, rinsed warm water... Turpentine is used for resin removal, after which it is also rinsed with warm water. It is imperative to buy acrylic paint that is suitable for external painting, it is called facade paint.
Features of painting polystyrene beehives
Hives made of expanded polystyrene material must be painted, it is best to use water-based paint, pre-select the color. So the hives will shine, get dirty less, are protected from the sun, which negatively affects the polystyrene foam material.
Color matching for dyeing beehives
Color plays a big role because bees can distinguish between blue, light blue, white and yellow colors.... Color helps them find their hive. In the event that the beekeeper accidentally painted everything the same color, he needs to repaint the front of the house or choose a different color for the arrival boards. In this way, you can protect the bees from spending their working energy to find the hive. If insects fly only in their own color, they will not be lost in the apiary, this is an excellent prevention of various diseases.
Time to color the hives
When the beekeeper uses oil paint, he needs to repeat the staining after 4 years. For this, in the spring, the family of bees is transplanted into new specially prepared hives, the old devices are repaired and painted. It is beneficial to use acrylic paint, it is durable, you can next time paint the hives after 15 years.
It is necessary to renew and paint the hives in the summer, when the weather is warm and sunny. Previously, the walls of the bee house must be putty, so you can reliably protect against unevenness and cracks. Putty is a mixture of drying oil and ground chalk.
Paint the beehive with acrylic paint
Other types of staining of hives
- Coating with liquid glass is cheap. In order for the walls of the houses to survive longer, you need to cover with this mixture up to three times, beforehand, each time to dry the surface. Please note that if the liquid glass is of high quality, it will dry no more than 15 minutes. Such staining has a long service life, bees cannot gnaw on it.
- Paint containing milk... You need to purchase fermented whole milk in the store, you will also need scorched quicklime... Then, with the help of sour milk, extinguish the lime, wait three hours, everything is ready, if it is thick, you need to add more milk. You need to paint twice: the first time thin layer, after dry, apply thick paint. Aniline is added to obtain the desired color. water paint... The agent lasts up to 6 years, this type of staining is similar to cementation, therefore it is fire-resistant.
- Mineral paints, for this you need a small amount of grated brick, quicklime, wood ash, mix everything thoroughly and sift, dissolve in milk to form a creamy consistency. Insist 7 hours, add a little milk. You need to paint it in three layers, so the color will last 10 years.
Thus, coloring the hives is an important process, so the bees will fly for the color and know exactly where their home is. Most often they are painted with oil paint, silver paint and acrylic paint. Many people ask the question which color to choose, the answer is simple, one that bees can recognize.
For many beekeepers, painting hives is mandatory procedure... This protects wood or other material from external factors, prevents decay processes. This procedure significantly increases the life of the bee houses, but even though it is simple, it must be done correctly. How to paint the hive correctly, what color and paint to choose? We will tell you about this now and be sure to watch a useful video.
Do hives need to be painted?
Before we talk about the painting of the beehives itself, it is worth touching on such a question, is it necessary at all? Let's say right away that there are many conflicting opinions on this matter. So, some beekeepers assert its necessity and importance, others, on the contrary, prove its harm. So that everyone can draw conclusions for themselves, we will give both positive and negative points.
So, dyeing bee evidence is primarily necessary for external protection material from damage. This is especially necessary for wooden houses that are kept on the street. Correctly selected paint will prevent wood dampness, preserve its thermoregulation, and protect it from getting wet. In addition, in a large apiary, if all the hives are the same, this complicates the orientation of the bees in space. Insects are easier to navigate with the help of colors, if each hive is painted in its own tone, as it is said in the video.
However, there are also disadvantages. Many beekeepers have already proved that in unpainted houses, bees survive better over the winter. This is due to the fact that many paints complicate the air exchange of housings, prevent the natural release of moisture and heat, violate temperature regime... Often because of this, condensation collects inside the hive, it becomes stuffy in it. It is also important to take the choice of paint very seriously, as many are toxic to bees.
It is possible and in many cases necessary to paint the hive only with outside... Inner remains out natural material, which in the subsequent time the bees will completely propolize.
What can you color the evidence with?
Today, the market for construction and finishing products is simply abundant. different kinds paints. But not all of them are suitable for painting hives. So, for example, painting with acrylic and oil paints is considered the most popular and most suitable. For more details, see the video.
Acrylic paint
The main advantage of acrylic paint is its safety for bees, as it is created on water based... It does not disturb the microclimate inside the evidence, is odorless, dries quickly and is easy to apply. Acrylic is resistant to sunlight and moisture, so it can last up to 15 years. The painted surface does not fade, which makes it easier to care for the hive. Another great plus - it is suitable for different materials whether it is wood, plywood, polystyrene or even concrete.
Acrylic paint allows moisture and air to pass through, therefore does not form a fungus. But it needs to be applied only to a specially prepared surface with putty, as shown in the video. Wood is painted only that which has not been painted before. It is necessary to use facade paint for external surfaces. Also, before processing with acrylic paint, it is necessary that all surfaces are clean and dry.
Oil
Another one good paint, although in comparison with acrylic and not as effective. It is also durable and safe, but has a much shorter lifespan. A high-quality oil coating retains its properties for 4-5 years. They also have a weighty disadvantage, which beekeepers often talk about - it creates a film that does not allow moisture and air to pass through. This impairs thermoregulation and air exchange evidence.
Serebryanka
Few people are familiar today, but previously a very popular paint is aluminum powder. As you can imagine, its benefits are even much less than that of oil. Today it is no longer used for painting walls, but only as a roof covering. Here it justifies its properties in full measure - it reflects ultraviolet rays. This prevents the hive from overheating and makes it look very beautiful.
This type of paint will also come in handy if there is a large power line nearby. Aluminum will create a special protective shield... The side walls can also be painted with this composition, since the silver is resistant and does not swell from moisture.
Liquid glass
Although it is not quite paint, but in its own way protective properties far surpasses even silver and acrylic. In addition, for many, this option is also becoming very profitable. As they say, cheap and cheerful. So, liquid glass cover the outside of the evidence at least three times. Each coat should dry well before applying the next coat, which takes about 15 minutes.
Liquid glass creates a durable layer that protects the hive from any climatic conditions, prevents corrosion and all subsequent material defects. Such staining will also increase the life of the houses due to the fact that bees cannot gnaw it.
Do not forget about the correct color of paint, which greatly influences the orientation of the bees. Each family remembers their house by color. If you have a lot of beehives, and there is a small variety of types of paints, then alternate the shades of the front walls or fly boards. Even the color of the board or some kind of pattern the bees also remember very well. See about this in the video below.
Video "Using Triora Blue"
In this video, the beekeeper will not only talk about what kind of paint he uses for evidence, but also show you how to quickly and easily perform the whole procedure.
Painting the beehives with different colors is a simple but important process and a finishing touch that will make them pleasing to the eye and to work with.
- paint protects wooden hives from rotting processes, humidity, temperature changes;
- painting significantly extends the life of your evidence, which can save a lot of money;
- bees do not distinguish some colors, so they have difficulty finding their hive; coloring in different colors makes it easier for them.
disadvantages
- paint impairs moisture exchange, so high humidity may be present inside the evidence.
Painting with different colors of the bee box
Painting such a bee box is as easy as shelling pears. This model must be accompanied by a primer and a water-based emulsion. First, the bee box is primed, all irregularities and joints are smoothed, then paint is applied using a spray gun.
Painting with different colors of polystyrene hives
Such new hives made of expanded polystyrene are not only desirable to paint, but simply necessary. The best choice will become a colored water-based paint. The clues look new and shiny, don't get so dirty, and the paint protects them from the harmful effects of UV rays on the styrofoam.
In the video, you can clearly see how to properly paint bee dwellings.
Which paint to choose?
Oil
Oil paint is rightfully considered more durable and strong. It is best used to paint the outside of a piece of evidence. After it dries bad smell comes to naught, this is a very powerful argument for the health and well-being of bees. It is not recommended to paint inside the hive, so as not to disrupt gas exchange and flow fresh air, the outer side is enough. The insides can be covered with a small layer of bee propolis. It will not only not interfere with gas exchange, but will also serve as an excellent antiseptic.
Acrylic
Acrylic paints do not create airtight coatings, thereby not interfering with gas exchange. They are environmentally friendly and do not create unpleasant odors. In addition, these inks are highly UV resistant and will not fade in the sun. Another advantage is ease of application and maintenance - they are quick and easy to clean. Acrylic paints can last up to 15 years, you must admit, this is not a short period. There is only one BUT! When using this type of paint, it is worth remembering that it should be applied to previously unpainted surfaces.
Serebryanka
Serebryanka is an aluminum powder. She recommends painting the roofs of hives. First of all, it is very beautiful. But beauty is not the main thing that we are striving for. The silver roof on the roof reflects the sun's rays, which prevents the hive from overheating in hot summer. Also, aluminum creates a screen that reflects ultraviolet radiation and electric fields. Side and rear walls can also be painted with this composition. The advantages of silver can be attributed to the fact that it does not swell.
Color features
It is recommended to paint hives in 4 colors, exactly those that bees can perfectly distinguish: blue, yellow, blue and white. This will prevent your little bees from getting confused! If it so happened that all the houses in the apiary turned out to be the same color, it is recommended to paint the front walls of the evidence in different colors, if for some reason this is not possible, then at least make the arrival boards distinguishable. This will save the bees from wandering around the apiary, thereby saving them from the possibility of infection with various diseases.
Time of work
If you work with oil paints, it is recommended to paint the evidence once every 3-5 years. With the onset of spring, the bee colony must be transplanted into a new painted hive, and the old ones must be repaired and painted again. When using acrylic paints, the service time of the bee houses is increased. They can last up to 15 years in perfect condition!
The most best time for renovation and coloring of the bee house is summer with its sunny and warm weather. Before carrying out work, the walls of the hive should be putty to avoid cracks and irregularities. The putty is made from ground chalk mixed with drying oil, or purchased in a store. With this composition, the paint will last much longer on the surface.
Wooden beehives
Painting wooden hives has its pros and cons. Wintering bees are better tolerated in clean evidence not touched by dyes. After all, a clean tree allows air and moisture to enter and exit the bee house without hindrance. In the hive is formed optimum humidity preventing mold from appearing.
When the beekeeper completes the design of the hive, it is necessary to choose a paint to paint it. Staining helps to protect the tree from high humidity, temperature fluctuations and decay. The painting process is a very important step, which prolongs the life of the hive, and also reduces future financial costs. It should be noted that bees are not able to distinguish all colors; it can be difficult for them to find their home. Choose the color of the paint with this feature in mind.
Disadvantages and advantages of painting
Many beekeepers are concerned about which color to choose, as well as which paint to use - silver, acrylic or oil. Painting has its pros and cons that you need to know about in advance.
Advantages of painting:
- with the help of a special color, you will make life easier for bees, so they can easily navigate in space;
- hives are mostly made of wood, so they deteriorate over time. A number of negative factors affect the hive - temperature jumps, dampness, high humidity air. Thanks to painting, the wood remains in good condition much longer than without paint.
At the same time, due to the paint, a violation of moisture exchange occurs, so the bees have some difficulties, especially during the wintering period, it becomes stuffy in the hive. Despite the presented drawback, wooden hives need to be painted, be sure to choose matching colors for bees.
Features of the choice of paint
The outer part of the house is painted with oil paints, as it is very durable and durable. When it dries completely, the specific smell will go away, which is extremely important for the health and life of bees, otherwise they can be poisoned.
It is strictly forbidden to paint the inside of the hives in order not to disturb the exchange of moisture and gases. In a similar way, the general atmosphere in the hive is provided, thanks to natural wood control is carried out. If you paint it, then all valuable properties will be lost.
The inside of the hive is covered with propolis. it natural product, which does not affect the processes of internal gas exchange. Bee glue has important advantage- antimicrobial effect.
1. Features of acrylic paint:
- the safety of bees is not violated;
- internal gas exchange is excellent;
- perceives the influence of UV;
- there are no unpleasant odors;
- can hold out for about fifteen years;
- it is forbidden to use on a painted surface;
- easy to apply and clean.
2. Serebryanka:
- it is a kind of aluminum powder;
- it is intended for painting the cover of hives, back and side walls;
- does not swell;
- reflects the sun's rays, thus avoiding overheating of bees and the hive in summer.
3. Oil paints:
- they are very resistant to external influences;
- after drying, the pungent smell goes away;
- suitable for exterior painting of houses.
Pay Special attention on colors, as this is extremely important. These insects distinguish well between yellow and white, blue and blue colors... These colors are usually chosen for painting.
The main features of acrylic paints
Many beekeepers prefer to use acrylic paint, as it meets all the existing safety rules:
- does not change the breathability of the hives;
- is environmentally friendly;
- quite durable, namely - 15 years. Oil paint can withstand no more than 4 years;
- does not change its own color as a result of exposure to sunlight;
- an important advantage is adhesion, so it can be applied to any surface, namely fiberboard, wood and concrete, plywood and even plaster;
- convenient use, dries quickly;
- easy to care for and wash;
- considered waterproof, prevents the formation of fungus.
Preparing the hive for staining
To begin with, the existing irregularities are leveled, cracks are removed so that the colors lie in an even layer. For this purpose, putty is used. Acrylic paint is applied to an unpainted wooden surface. If used coniferous, then first it is demineralized with soda ash. The solution is heated at a temperature of sixty degrees, then wiped with a brush and rinsed with warm water. To remove the resin, they also use turpentine, then again rinse with warm water. The paint is used for exterior painting, it is called front.
Choosing a color palette
Colors play an important role in the creation of houses. Insects successfully distinguish between yellow, blue and blue, White color. Otherwise, the individuals will get lost and will not return home, since the color acts as a reliable guide. If you paint all the houses the same color, repaint the front of the hive or choose a different color for the arrival boards. This way, you save insects from wasting time and energy looking for hives.
Why are hives painted?
This is necessary in order to:
- honey bees do not confuse their dwellings, since the color is an excellent reference point;
- parts were protected from decay.
- collecting bees remember the color of their hive well and work confidently, which increases production performance;
- bees remember the color of neighboring houses, therefore, with a dense group, in order to reduce wandering, the same color of adjacent hives should not be allowed;
- hives are stained in bright hues so that they do not overheat by the sun's rays in open places;
- correct coloration prevents spread by significantly reducing bee wandering;
- with a good orientation of the bees, a peaceful environment is maintained without the excitability and malice of bee individuals;
- the color of the hives also has a positive effect on the selection and breeding work, as well as the hatching and their safety during the mating season.
When painting beehives, it is necessary to use not any kind of paint color, but mainly yellow, blue, blue, white. You can combine multicolor. For example, paint two hulls in different colors, and choose a paint of a darker shade, say, blue, for the landing board, bottom and sub-roof. The apiary will become elegant, and it will be easier for the bees to find their house.
If, for some reason, there are many one-color hives in the apiary (for example, a batch of already painted factory-made hives was purchased), then the front walls of the houses should be painted in different, clearly distinguishable colors. As a last resort, you can limit yourself to painting only the arrival boards.
The side boards are not painted, so they dry out faster, warm up and it is easier for tired collecting bees to enter the hive on a rough surface.
Coloring of hives is carried out with oil paints in the spring-summer period, once every 3-5 years. In practice, this is done like this: in the spring, the bee colony is transplanted into a clean painted hive, and the vacated one is repaired and painted.
I like water-based paints for facade works... Colors allow you to create a wide variety of shades of color.
It is better to paint the roofs of the hives white, as it reflects the sun's rays well, the nest of bees does not overheat. For many years now I have been painting roofs with silver paint.
- firstly, it is beautiful;
- secondly, in summer the sun's rays are reflected and the bees do not suffer from high temperature;
- thirdly, apparently, aluminum shields the hives from electric fields, solar radiation and something else.
I was convinced of this by chance, about 15 years ago. The roof of one of my hives is padded aluminum sheet... There is always order in this hive, since spring development has been going ahead with a great advance in comparison with other families.