The main disadvantages of a screened bottom board are the potential for excessive heat loss during winter and increased vulnerability to certain pests. While the mesh design promotes airflow, it can create an entry point for small intruders to climb into the hive and may make it difficult for the colony to maintain necessary warmth in colder climates.
While screened bottom boards provide excellent ventilation and mite management tools, they introduce environmental instability by potentially over-ventilating the hive in winter and allowing small pests to bypass the colony's defenses.
Challenges with Thermal Regulation
Excessive Ventilation in Cold Climates
In regions with harsh winters, the high level of airflow provided by a screened bottom board can become a liability. The open mesh allows heat to escape rapidly, potentially creating a drafty environment that is difficult for the bees to regulate.
Increased Energy Expenditure
To counteract the heat loss caused by the open screen, the colony must work harder to generate warmth. This forces the bees to consume more honey stores and expend vital energy reserves just to maintain the hive's internal temperature.
Vulnerability to Pests and Signals
Infiltration by Small Pests
The mesh barrier, typically #8 hardware cloth, is not impervious to all intruders. Small pests, such as tiny beetles, can climb up through the mesh openings to enter the hive from below, bypassing the guard bees at the main entrance.
Loss of Chemical Communication
There is a risk that the increased airflow may disrupt the colony's internal communication. The draft can carry away essential pheromones that bees use to coordinate hive activities, potentially affecting the colony's organization.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Ventilation vs. Insulation
The feature that makes screened boards excellent for hot summers—airflow—is the exact trait that compromises them in winter. You must weigh the benefit of reducing heat buildup in full sun against the risk of freezing the colony in winter.
Monitoring vs. Security
Screened boards allow for easy varroa mite counting using sticky boards and help mites fall out of the hive. However, this convenience comes at the cost of a strictly sealed bottom barrier, requiring the beekeeper to be more vigilant about ground-level pests.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Before installing a screened bottom board, consider your local climate and specific apiary challenges.
- If your primary focus is overwintering in a cold climate: Consider using a solid bottom board or ensuring you have an insert to close off the screen during freezing months to preserve heat.
- If your primary focus is pest exclusion: Be aware that while the screen helps drop mites out of the hive, it may require placing the hive on a stand to prevent ground-dwelling beetles from climbing up the mesh.
- If your primary focus is ventilation in hot weather: The screened bottom board is likely the superior choice, provided you monitor for the potential loss of pheromones or internal stability.
Success with a screened bottom board depends on adapting its use to the season, ensuring your bees have the ventilation they need in summer without sacrificing the warmth they require in winter.
Summary Table:
| Disadvantage | Impact on Colony | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive Heat Loss | Increased honey consumption and energy expenditure in winter. | Use a bottom board insert or switch to solid boards in cold months. |
| Pest Infiltration | Small pests like beetles can bypass guard bees through the mesh. | Use hive stands and monitor ground-level pest activity. |
| Pheromone Dilution | Drafts may disrupt chemical communication and hive coordination. | Ensure the screen is sheltered from direct, high-velocity winds. |
| Environmental Instability | Difficulties in maintaining precise internal hive humidity and temp. | Adapt bottom board type based on seasonal climate changes. |
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