Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: tejas on June 28, 2004, 12:23:09 pm

Title: Feeder Problem
Post by: tejas on June 28, 2004, 12:23:09 pm

I bought a hive top feeder from Mann Lake and for 6 weeks it worked fine. But now the bees are getting inside and I cannot figure out how. Has anyone else had this problem? They must be getting under the screen somewhere. Will silicone caulk hurt the bees? If not I might try caulking around where the screen meets the plastic insert.

Title: Feeder Problem
Post by: BigRog on June 28, 2004, 01:31:47 pm

The acetic acid in household silicone might be bad for the bees. Get Aquarium grade silicone. You should be able to find it at any pet supply.

Title: Feeder Problem
Post by: tejas on June 28, 2004, 01:59:12 pm

BigRog

Thanks for the tip, I didn't know there were different types.

Title: Feeder Problem
Post by: Robo on June 28, 2004, 02:29:31 pm

Normal silicone sealer is fine, just let it cure before putting it back on the hive.

Title: silicone would be ok if--------
Post by: latebee on July 17, 2004, 10:11:17 pm

Hi, Silicone sealant would be fine as long as it is cured before placing the feeder back on the hive, as well it should be the type that is safe for food contact, which can be verified by reading the product label.
                                      latebee

Title: Feeder Problem
Post by: Mchero on July 20, 2004, 08:17:12 am

I would think that the plastic "shield" is not naking a good seal around the edges, It's supposed to be a tight seal so the bees can't get around.

RM