How to build bee hives out of styrofoam coolers

I upcycle discarded styrofoam coolers into bee hives. These coolers were previously used to transport boxes of veterinarian vaccine and accompanying cold packs that keep the package cool. They are single use (they don't get shipped back to the facility, but are discarded), and are as big as 19" wide, 26" long, and 18" tall. But I've found that the cooler with the best dimensions is 17" wide, 24" long, 14" tall. Their wall thickness is between 1 3/4" to 2". Closed cell polystyrene foam (which is what these coolers are made from) has an approximate R value (measurement for insulation value) of 2 per inch which makes these hives about as insulated as a Yeti cooler. Check out our new Instagram channel! Find us at Exley Apiary there and on Facebook.