🐝 Beekeeping is Booming in Australia – But Is Your Hive Timber Protected?
With over 855,000 registered hives and a surge in recreational beekeeping across Australia, protecting your hives from the elements has never been more important. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a commercial beekeeper, maintaining your hive boxes is essential for long-term success.
🌧️ Why Hive Timber Needs Protection
Bee hives are constantly exposed to:
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Rain and moisture – which causes rot and fungal growth
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UV damage – leading to timber cracking and warping
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Pests and decay – which threaten the structure and your bees
Using untreated or poorly maintained timber can drastically shorten the lifespan of your hives — and put your bees at risk.
That’s where Timber Preserver comes in.
Why Traditional Timber Treatments Are Dangerous for Beehives
If you're building a beehive from affordable timber like radiata pine, treating the timber is essential to prevent fungal decay and rot. But here’s the problem: most timber preservatives are toxic to bees and can contaminate your honey.
For example:
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CCA (Copper Chrome Arsenate) is highly effective against borers and termites but also lethal to bees.
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LOSP (Light Organic Solvent Preservatives) often contain pyrethroids, which are deadly even after the surface is painted.
These treatments are common in treated pine, which is not safe for beehives. So how do you make cheap pine last without risking your bees or honey quality?
Introducing a Bee-Safe Timber Solution: Timber Preserver by Preschem
At Timber-Care, we understand the need for a solution that balances durability, cost-effectiveness, and bee safety.
That’s why we recommend Timber Preserver or TWA Woodcare LTF, both containing a single active ingredient:
🟢 2% copper as copper naphthenate
These products meet the strict criteria outlined by the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council under APVMA Permit No. 13026 – which allows their use in beehive timber treatment under specific conditions.
Is It Legal and Approved?
Yes – but with clear guidelines.
While these products are not labelled for beehive use, the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) issues permits for approved off-label use. The permit held by the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council allows the use of 2% copper naphthenate-only preservatives for treating hive timber.
✅ Timber Preserver is approved under this permit.
How to Safely Treat Beehive Timber with Timber Preserver
To ensure the treatment is both effective and safe, follow one of the two approved methods:
🧪 Soak Method
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Dilution: Mix 1L of Timber Preserver with 1L of solvent (e.g. mineral turps or kerosene)
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Submerge: Fully immerse timber (use weights and spacers) for at least 8 hours
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Drying: Air dry the timber for a minimum of 14 days until all solvent has evaporated
🧪 Soak and Wrap Method
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Dilution: Mix 1L of product with 0.6L of solvent
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Soak: Immerse for 1 hour
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Wrap: While still wet, wrap the timber in plastic tightly for 3 days
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Dry: Air dry for at least 10 days before use
⚠️ Critical Step: Once dried, always paint treated surfaces with a food-safe primer and topcoat before putting hives into use.
Additional Tips for Best Results
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Use hydrocarbon solvents like kerosene, thinners, or turpentine for dilution
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In colder months, drying may take longer:
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Space timber for air circulation
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Dry in a warm, ventilated space
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For optimal protection, finish with an oil-based, food-safe tannin-blocking primer
(e.g., from Dulux or Zinsser)
Why Use Timber Preserver for Beehives?
✅ APVMA-permitted for hive use
✅ Long-lasting protection from decay
✅ Safe when used as directed
✅ Affordable for backyard and commercial beekeepers
✅ Designed to work with Aussie timbers like radiata pine
Protect Your Hives the Right Way
Don’t risk your bees or your honey with unsafe timber treatments. Choose Timber Preserver , follow the permit-approved treatment method, and protect your hive investment for years to come.
👉 Learn more about Timber Preserver or buy now and give your hives the protection they deserve — safely and effectively.
You can purchase Timber Preserver directly from our online store or through our nationwide distributors. Available in 1L, 4L, 20L and 200L tins.
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