High-Temperature Deep Timber Preservation
Traditional hive paint only coats the surface, leaving joints and inner pores vulnerable to rotting, warping, and insect damage. Our hot wax dipping service ensures that every millimetre of your timber is preserved from the inside out.
160°C Thermal Dehydration
Timber is submerged for 20 minutes. The high heat forces all moisture out of the wood cells and replaces it with protective wax, preventing rot and checking for 10+ years.
Biosecurity & Disease Sterilization
Hot wax dipping is a highly effective way to sterilize used equipment. Submersion at 160°C kills American Foulbrood (AFB) spores, chalkbrood, nosema, and woodboring beetles.
Totally Safe for Honeybees
We use a pure, food-grade blend of paraffin and microcrystalline wax. It contains zero toxic solvents, metal drying agents, or volatile compounds, keeping your honey and bees completely safe.
Dipping Guidelines & Scope
Please review our operational rules before booking a slot or dropping off your equipment.
Unpainted Items Only
We only accept non-painted wooden items. This applies to both brand-new timber and pre-used wooden hives. Painted items contaminate our dipping tank and prevent wax penetration.
Only Assembled Equipment
We only dip assembled parts. Component parts (floors, lids, and boxes) must be fully nailed or screwed together before drop-off. We do not dip flat-pack or loose unassembled timber parts.
Core Component Parts
Core hive components are defined as floors, lids, and boxes (brood boxes and honey supers). These are charged at a flat rate of R25.00 per component part.
Frames Quoted Separately
Wooden frames are processed and quoted separately at R6.00 per frame. Wired frames can be dipped, but wax sheets or starter strips must be removed before drop-off.
Varying Turnaround Times
Dipping turnaround times vary depending on our batch queue and weather conditions. Please contact us to find out when the next dipping run is scheduled.
Drop-off & Collection
Clients are responsible for dropping off their assembled equipment at our Vredehoek premises and collecting it promptly once preserved.
Service Rates & Charges
Transparent flat-rate pricing based on your component and frame count.
Notice: We strictly do not accept painted beehives or parts. All equipment must be dropped off assembled. Turnaround times depend on batch volume.
Interactive Cost Calculator
Select the quantity of assembled hive component parts and frames you need dipped to estimate your total preservation costs.
Configure Your Dipping Batch
Note: Only assembled wooden components (lids, bottom boards, super and brood boxes) are accepted.
Note: Frames are dipped and quoted separately from core hive component parts.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
* This is an estimate based on component count. All items must be unpainted. Final pricing will be verified upon drop-off. Turnaround time varies based on current batch schedule.
Book Your Equipment Preserved
Protect your apiary investment today. Get in touch with our team to check our current dipping schedule, discuss large batches, or coordinate drop-off slots.