Historic creosote and effects on cedar

[Rory Fields]

My cousin used to farm somewhat, and has kindly given me some old National boxes, some cedar and some pine and all creosoted. I know it's banned for us joe public now, but wondered if when dry as it is, it would or could pose any harm to either the bees, their honey, or I've read cedar actually degrades more rapidly when creosoted - anyone else read this or just scorch em/acetic for disease and press em into service as per? Particularly intrigued by the notion that creosote could somehow actually accelerate the demise of WRC-made hives. Not otherwise inclined to treat the cedar with linseed or any other preservative- too costly and time-consuming for a start. Cheers!

 

[Sutty]

It sounds  really unlikely to accelerate decomposition. It was banned for amateur use due to concerns re carcinogenicity but still available for "professional" use. Maybe avoid it around the hive entrance, so bees don't walk all over it (though once really dry which takes ages i wouldn't worry), otherwise just use them.
Incidentally really good for chicken coops as it kills redmite - "just saying"

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

wondered if when dry as it is, it would or could pose any harm to either the bees, their honey,

worked with cresosoted Langstroths out in Africa, bees have no issues with them, swarms move into them with no fuss, in fact the main beekeeping suppliers in South Africa sell their Langstroths with a choice of plain wood or cresosote dipped.