Bruce, there was just a thread on Beesource about "Camouflage" for hives to help reduce things like vandalism. You clearly have seen the benefit of coloring so they blend into the landscape for that purpose given it took those folks 5 years to notice them. We chose a color that was complimentary to our property, but in hindsight, we might have gone a little darker and greener for even more blend.

I love the minefield thing! Very clever! And quite accurate, especially later in the year when "the girls" are very protective of their winter stores.