how can i modify my SBBs for easier mite monitoring?

[buford]

this is probably a "no brainer", but i can't quite figure it out.

curently, all of my hives have SBBs. each hive is supported by two cinderblocks (one on the right and one on the left) with a good space between them so that whatever falls through the screen falls into the dirt (i don't use store bought "hive stands").

some of the SBBs i bought from brushy mountain (they have an "x" weave on the botom for use with a white board), the others i bought from betterbee.

here is my problem. i want to elevate the betterbee screens enough so that i can slide a tray between the cinderbloack and the screen.

all i've thought of this far is either a shim place under the SBB or to buy what brushy mountain calls "hive feet". but, the betterbee SBBs don't have a lip onto which i could fasten them.

any ideas would be helpful.

thanks.

[Michael Bush]

I have mostly the Brushy Mt ones and I like them fine the way they are.

[newbee 101]

Mann Lake has a superior sbb. It has a sliding tray.

[Curry]

I love brushy mountains SBB's, and especially the white inserts. I used to spray Pam on the inserts to do mite counts until I realized that mites won't crawl off the insert. They just stay where they land and wait for a bee to come along (which, of course, never happens so they starve).

I am making my own SBB's now, and I put "feet" or 3/4"x 3/4" x 22" pieces on the bottom edges, so that I can always get a white insert under one when I want. I also keep all my hives on scrap pallets, which I think makes it easier.

[dickm]

I add a 2" piece to a normal bottom board and cut a 1/4" slot in it. Then I slice up some tileboard for trays. Use Crisco or Vaseline for stickiness. Other stuff won't hold the mites.

Dickm

[buford]

thanks.

i like the brushy mt. ones too, i just don't want to through the other ones away.

[Michael Bush]

Try adding a one by two rail on each side of the Betterbee ones and then add the "X" or Z" with some cord to hold the tray. I buy the corragated plastic to make my trays (like Brushy Mt uses).

[BULLSEYE BILL]

Go to my web site and look under equipment. There you will find pictures of the type I make, and an easy way to make rails to attach to the underside of your SBB's much like Dickm suggested.

I bought a stack of plastic and stainless SBB's from Dadant I think it was. The only problem was that they did not have rails under them for the trays so I added them. Then I found that the trays scraped on the screen. Taking a smooth edged piece of metal I made three grooves in the screen that stiffened (stretched) the screen and lifted the screen from the trays. It also makes a bit of a ladder for the bees to climb up onto the frame bottoms. They work great now, but still a bit expensive, but I think that they will outlast my wooden ones.