Kingspan in hive

[dano41]

Hi can any harm be done by using kingspan inside the hive to take up space of empty combs?

 

[Stiffy]

Hi can any harm be done by using kingspan inside the hive to take up space of empty combs?

I use kingspan or a similar foam to take up space during winter and also when starting a new colony off. I cut it to fit inside a frame and then slot in leaving at least one empty frame to allow for expansion adition of honey.
S

 

[tidymeup]

I have also used it before but generally seal the edges with duck tape or similar.

 

[MuswellMetro]

i use it to make a nuc size hive from a standard brood box but paint the kingspan with water based paint to stop any chewing by the bees

two coats of paint makes it less friable

 

[drstitson]

inside insulation

" have also used it before but generally seal the edges with duck tape or similar."

so can i take it that an of the various polystyrene sheets that have been discussed on various threads are ok to put inside the hive IF they are completely sealed with duck/gaffer tape? Otherwise will knock up a few frames with sheets boarded into them.

 

[Black Comb]

so can i take it that an of the various polystyrene sheets that have been discussed on various threads are ok to put inside the hive IF they are completely sealed with duck/gaffer tape? Otherwise will knock up a few frames with sheets boarded into them.

Yes I've done that without any problems.
I've also made up dummy boards with p/s stuck to the back side. This works except if it gets hot the glue tends to melt and it falls off. Will staple it on next time.

 

[RoofTops]

Polystyrene does not need sealing at the edges but Kingspan does ideally. This is because the interior foam is quite friable. There is also the slight chance of fumes but I suspect this is not a problem, having built a hive of the stuff once and finding the bees preferred the edges to the middle of the hive.