The beehive screen bottom is an essential aspect of pest management in beekeeping. IPM, or Integrated Pest Management, prioritizes the development of a robust crop or hive with minimal disturbance to the agro-ecosystem. Varroa mites are a primary concern in beekeeping, as they can cause colony collapse disorder (CCD).
Fortunately, the screened bottom board catches the mites and prevents them from re-attaching to the bees. While it is normal to have some Varroa in a hive, IPM aims to reduce their population to a level where the hive can survive without additional medication. Furthermore, the screened bottom board promotes increased brood production and better airflow and ventilation, essential during both cooler, wet weather and the warmer honey flow season. Screen bottom Bd comes with a removable corrugated plastic sheet that is used to test the Varroa mite count and slid in for cold winter weather. The screening used is 1/8"hardware cloth. Mites fall through but can't climb back into hive.
Measuring 24 long by 16.5” wide, this bottom board is suitable for 10-frame hives.
