Subject: Re: Open Mesh Floors/Large Entrances
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 18:26:49 -0800
From: "Helmut,E.Garz" <hommes@olympus.net>
To: BiologicalBeekeeping@egroups.com



Hello Dee

Hold the horses !!!!
The screen, ( of the SBB) whether or not removable is IN LINE with the
entry. The dimension equals the ID of the hive body. The entry shape
and dimensions is to the individuals judgment. If one considers the
entries of bee trees for instance , They might not exceed 1 inch in
Diameter and the foragers go in and out without problems. That is the
reason why I are mine 5/16 by 5 inches and never found any restriction
problems.
The bees entering WALKING without impairment on the screen to climb up
the combs. The screen itself (" Hardware cloth")available in hardware
stores among the fencing sections usually . The size ? I have 1/8 th
squares . Even bee heads fall through it and all the other debris.The
reason why an Australian chap and I redesigned the screen contraption
to be withdrawable is just in case dead bees are not removed by the bees
and accumulate there .
When one considers the probable mass of debris accumulated at the very
bottom below the screen One has to give a second thought which pollen
trap to use. It seems prudent to apply the outside trap to save some
cleaning work. The varroa drop off whether normal or induced by
chemicals indicates the inability of the mites to return to the bees
because of the relative far distances in mite land's perspective to
return will comment about your other post and concerns about the
temperature in the future.
Health and prosperity
Helmut