Use this integrated pest management method to deal with the invasion of small hive beetles and varroa mites! This method capitalizes on the natural behavior of bees which is to drive beetles from the hive by pushing them off the frames and out of the hive. When the beetles fall through the screened bottom boards they are killed by landing in a tray containing water and or oil. Bottom board is made from 2″x6″ lumber. Long lasting sturdy base. The screen keeps the hive secure from the bottom. Fits 8-frame and 10-frame hives without modification. The kit comes unassembled and you will need to assemble and paint with exterior paint to protect it from the weather. Can be used year-round. Hive does not need to be dismantled or disturbed to check and maintain this bottom board. Screened portion of the bottom board covers about 85% of the area below a hive box. The rigid aluminum tray is easy to clean and should never need to be replaced. The aluminum tray can be removed during winter and completely or partially replaced with solid wood pieces or a sheet of ¾-1 Styrofoam. The plastic beetle diverter strips block the remaining horizontal space between the inside of the hive body box and the outside frames. The function of diverter strips is to guide the beetles moving along the ¾ rim inside the bottom board onto the screen. The tray fits flush with the drawer panel so there is no danger of bees drowning if they go below the landing board. The screened drawer panel and the aluminum tray are accessed from the front of the hive. An important feature of this bottom board is that the opening can be operated in four different ways to address different. Management needs based upon the situation. To provide full ventilation: Screen completely open with no tray installed. To capture beetles: Tray can be installed with rim up for holding liquid. To restrict air flow based upon the season or other needs such as to maintain heat for the brood or cluster: Tray can be installed with rim down. To provide partial ventilation in the back of the hive: Tray can be pulled forward.
