The primary function of a screened bottom board is to act as the structural floor of the beehive while simultaneously managing ventilation and pest control. Structurally, it bears the full weight of the hive stack, including boxes, frames, and bees. Functionally, the integrated wire mesh allows for increased airflow and assists in monitoring and controlling parasites like Varroa mites.
Core Takeaway: While the bottom board acts as the foundational "basement" supporting the colony's weight, the screened variety is specifically engineered to improve hive health by increasing air circulation and allowing falling pests to exit the hive, preventing them from crawling back up to the bees.
The Structural Foundation
Bearing the Hive Load
The bottom board serves as the base of the entire apiary stack. It must be robust enough to support the considerable combined weight of the brood boxes, honey supers, frames, and the colony itself.
Defining the Floor
As the floor of the colony, the board seals the bottom of the hive structure. It includes a wooden rim that creates the necessary spacing for the hive components placed above it.
Feeding Location
The bottom board—specifically the entrance area—is a standard location for placing bee feeders. Entrance feeders (often called Boardman feeders) slide into the gap provided by the bottom board, allowing bees to access syrup without leaving the safety of the hive.
The Advantages of the Screen
Enhanced Ventilation
Unlike a solid floor, the screened bottom board features a section of #8 size wire mesh. This allows air to flow freely into the hive from below, which is critical for temperature regulation during hot summer months.
Pest Exclusion and Management
The #8 mesh size is calibrated to be small enough to prevent intruders like wasps, hornets, and robber bees from entering through the floor. However, it allows smaller debris and pests to fall out.
Mite Monitoring
The screen allows Varroa mites to fall off the bees and through the mesh, preventing them from re-entering the colony. Many screened boards accept a "sticky board" or grid insert underneath the mesh, which allows the beekeeper to count fallen mites and assess infestation levels.
Entrance and Accessibility
The Landing Board
The bottom board typically extends past the front of the hive boxes. This extension acts as a "runway" or landing platform, giving foraging bees a designated place to land and take off.
Rain Protection
Because the entrance is located at the bottom front of the hive, the bottom board design dictates water management. The entire colony should be tilted slightly forward to ensure any rainwater that hits the landing board runs off rather than pooling inside the hive.
Entrance Sizing
The space between the bottom board floor and the first box creates the hive entrance. Many boards are reversible, offering a deep side (7/8-inch) for summer traffic and a shallow side (3/8-inch) to restrict pests or reduce drafts in cooler weather.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Winter Insulation Challenges
While the screen is excellent for summer ventilation, an open bottom can draft excessively in winter. Most screened bottom boards require a solid insert or "slider" to close the screen during cold months to preserve hive warmth.
Structural Integrity vs. Mesh
While the wooden frame is strong, the mesh portion is more delicate than a solid wood floor. Care must be taken not to puncture the screen during transport or cleaning, as holes larger than the #8 mesh can admit mice or other pests.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To maximize the utility of a screened bottom board, consider your current seasonal objectives:
- If your primary focus is Pest Management: Utilize the sticky board insert beneath the screen to perform regular Varroa mite counts without opening the hive.
- If your primary focus is Summer Cooling: Remove the solid insert to allow maximum airflow through the mesh, reducing the workload on bees fanning the hive.
- If your primary focus is Winterizing: Ensure the solid insert is firmly in place or switch to a solid bottom board to prevent freezing drafts from harming the cluster.
The screened bottom board is a versatile tool that transforms the hive's foundation from a passive floor into an active component of colony health management.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Primary Function | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Floor | Supports weight of frames and boxes | Provides a stable foundation for the colony |
| #8 Wire Mesh | Facilitates airflow & debris removal | Enhances ventilation and aids in pest control |
| Sticky Board Slot | Integrated mite monitoring | Allows for Varroa mite counts without hive disruption |
| Landing Board | Foraging bee takeoff and landing | Improves bee accessibility and colony efficiency |
| Reversible Rim | Adjusts entrance height | Manages seasonal traffic and prevents pest entry |
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