Subject: Re: Open Mesh Floors/Large Entrances Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 18:38:43 -0800 From: "Helmut,E.Garz" <hommes@olympus.net> To: BiologicalBeekeeping@egroups.com Hi John The mites are not necessarily dead . They become dislodged more often than you think and end up on the bottom only to climb up onto the bees again do their dirty work. Those buggers are more agile than meets the eye. I would advise you NOT to fasten any screen to the bottom of the box. Make it independent from it with a frame to the dimensions of your box. Let bees enter above it and let them walk over the screen . They like to wipe their feet on it and fosters good house keeping. Take a look at Barry Birkey web site relative to plans. The only difference of his and mine is the inspection / Ventilation board operation beeing in the back while mine is from the front in case the hives are placed against a wall . Happy beeing and may you have the joy of plenty snow Helmut