Plasticell and sugar water

[bhfury]

I've just completed some new hive bodies with plasticell foundation.  I know they are beewax coated, but I think I read somewhere that I'm suppose to spray them with suger/water for better acceptance.  Is that right?   :?

Thanks,
Greg
Farmington NM

[dpence]

Whenever I install a new package on wax coated plastic foundation, I spray the foundation with sugar water.  It seems to help in my experience. 

David

[RayMarler]

I use plastic foundation in all hives myself for the last several years. I've never sprayed them with sugar water but that certainly would not hurt at all. I would, however, put a feeder on them and check once a week to make sure they are drawing wax out correctly on the plasticell. Sometimes they start the drawing at the top ok but will slant the comb out away from the plastic as they draw. Whenever they do this, just scrape it off and they will go back to work and get it the way we like them to do it. Do not mix wax foundation or no foundation frames in the same box as the plasticell, as they will then ignore the plasticell as long as they possibly can.

[Michael Bush]

You can if you like.

[HAB]

This one was pre-waxed but we sprayed it with sugar water, let it dry, sprayed again.  I think it worked out all right.

[bhfury]

Nice job!!!

[mherndon]

Good looking frame of brood HAB!   :)

Mark