Comments on: Should You Use a Screened Bottom Board on Your Langstroth Hive?

By: Karma

Karma — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 14:46:34 +0000

I live in Northern Michigan in the Upper Penninsula and we get sub-zero days in the winter. I use a screen bottom board on my hives throughout the winter and have not had an issue with the bees freezing to death. It’s not the cold that’s the problem, it’s condensation buildup that then falls back down on them as it freezes and melts.
In addition to the screen bottom board, I also put a shallow box on top with cedar chips that help to collect the moisture. I check it a couple of times throughout the winter and if it’s getting too moist a change out the cedar.
I also insulate them by putting a 2″ foam board on all 4 sides of the box (not covering their entrance.)

I’ve also never had them build comb on any of the three hives we have.

By: Maria

Maria — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 23:30:39 +0000

I use the screen bottom board with a slatted rack for 3 years now. I love it & the bees love it. They seem to be able to control temperature better and are able to clean better.

By: Patricia

Patricia — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 12:58:12 +0000

I switched to screen-bottom boards with oil-filled trays that slide underneath (West traps) because we have problems with small hive beetle. The adults try to hide in the bottom of the hive and get caught in the oil, and any larvae heading out to pupate also get trapped. When I clean out the traps, I also spot mites in the mess so hopefully they help on that problem as well. The bees have never built comb on the bottom.

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 17:20:21 +0000

My opinion on feed stores carrying bee supplies is not good. We bought our supplies from our local chain feed store when we first started, got everything setup, then called back with questions and they told us they couldn’t help us because none of the employees knew anything about bees. We then found a local bee store that was owned and operated by beekeepers and they were super helpful, even though we didn’t get our supplies from them in the first place. Obviously, we now get all our supplies from the local bee shop. If you have a local bee store near you or even if you order online, I would suggest you use someone who knows about bees so you have help after you buy the product.

We have been using screen bottoms for about 10 years (not uncommon around here) and we have never had an issue.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 02:23:54 +0000

I have used screen bottom boards for about 5 years now and have never had the bees build comb on the bottom of the screen. As far as wintering, I use a plastic (political sign material) to seal off the bottom during the colder months.

By: Kris

Kris — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 18:09:38 +0000

Lucky you. None of our local feed stores carry apiary supplies. -K