FPL Chemist Studies Bees, Hives Treated with Preservatives

Untreated wood parts of, beehives last up to 10 years depending on the climate. Commercial beekeepers may have thousands of hives, each having a replacement cost in excess of $100. Therefore, treated wood parts with an estimated lifespan of 20 years could have considerable economic impact on the bee industry. Forty beehives were constructed from clear ponderosa pine sapwood. They were then pressure- or dip-treated in groups of five with pentachlorophenol, TBTO (tributyl tin oxide), copper-8-quinolinolate, copper naphthenate, CCA (chromated copper arsenate), ACC (acid copper chromate), and a nontoxic water repellent (paraffin wax and varnish in mineral spirits). Parts for five of the hives were left untreated as were the frames that hold the honeycomb. All were weighed to measure how much preservative went into each board. The hive bodies were assembled, painted with white latex paint, and stocked, with bees. Dead bees from the dead bee traps placed in front of the hive entrances were collected and counted and analyzed to see if they had elevated levels of wood preservative chemicals. The honey and beeswax were also analyzed. The bees were provided water so they would not travel elsewhere to obtain it and pick up any contamination. The area was monitored for pesticide use. Analysis of the dead bees, wax, and honey is continuing. When the experiment is over in another year, the hive parts will continue to be used and observed over the next 20 years to determine the service life of the preserved wood hive parts.

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