SCREENED BOTTOM BOARDS, Beehive Ventilation and Natural Varroa Mite Control,
Screen Honey Bee Hive Bottoms Georgia Beekeeper John Pluta
DADANT PINE on left ROSSMAN CYPRESS on right above
Totally OPEN Good Side Runners problem
Pine rot problem / Stapled Better wood good / Screwed
Screen edge enclosed Smooth Rough cut screen edge exposed
COST ABOUT SAME / Verdict = Toss Up Your Choice
Freight Costs could determine, Dadant more branches closer
I AM JUMPING OFF THE FENCE TO THE YES SIDE after 5 years
I've been in the middle on screens,using what I had but not adding any
5-6 years ago when they got popular I thought great for Varroa Mites and Ventilation.
The following year Small Hive Beetles showed up and put BIG brakes on the idea.
Have been watching and studying since then.
Got real serious this Spring,added a few new screens and saw these hives BOOM
Cleaner Hives Happy Bees And less Beetles in these hives
HERE ARE A FEW REASONS I THINK HELP
Varroa Mites, defiantly a non chemical help
Dryer less humid because of ventilation
More light, not sure about
Cleaner, less junk to hide in
Access, another beetle entrance but no where to hide on
And Number 1 is it gets new young larva OUT quicker before they have a chance to eat & grow
Legal, certain treatments under the screen are NOT in the hive, Government Fight coming
A Few Problems still are:
COST, at $14-$19 much higher than my pressure treated plywood bottoms
Preservation,Dadant Pine or Rossman Cypress still need treatment,painting
FRAGILE, still need extra care not to crush or break
I am adding about 10 a week and using the bottoms as tops,but still a 5 year plan
You might consider trying a few if not using now
NOT a cure but a definite Help
JP
WHAT TO DO WITH THE SOLID BOTTOMS??
IF STILL IN USABLE CONDITION USE TO REPLACE OLD BAD TOPS
Reversible top,bottom board for beehives. Treated Wood combo beekeeping equipment.
