insulated plastic hive boxes

[dani_girl]

I am interested to see if anyone has purchased and is using the insulated plastic hive boxes sold in several catalogs.  They are advertised as being lower maintenance, non-toxic, and better insulated than wooden hive boxes.  I am purchasing new equipment and am wondering if it would be worth the cost.  With all the winter kill of colonies, I'm curious to see if the insulating properties work as advertised, especially at elevation with our cold CO winters.  I figure why bother buying/adding insulation and wrapping the hives with tar paper if a more advanced option is available.
Anyone?  Thoughts, ideas, actual experience?

Thanks,
Danielle Keenan
CO Springs

[Busy Bee Farm]

Hi there - my approach on insulation is to look to nature. Most colonies in nature do quite well in a tree for example with a hole that lets cold air and rain in.  Not to say that I don't want to do the best for my bees but I have not found plastic insulated hives or tar paper to be of any positive effect.  For me it is extremely important to keep snow drifts away and provide winter VENTILATION.  I loose hives during winter when they have not been provided adequate top ventilation.