Screened 4 way pallets

[pahvantpiper]

Does anyone have any plans or know where I can get plans to build some screened 4 way pallets (w/o bottom boards) that I can slide sticky sheets under? I'm sure I can figure it out but I'd rather not reinvent the wheel if it's already invented.

[greenbeekeeping]

I have seen some screened pallets before and don't think that it is a very good idea. Once it is warm out some of the bees will hang on the underside of the pallet below the screen. When you go to fork into them all heck breaks loose.

[MichelleB]

I'd like to see some plans, too.

Regarding greenbeekeeping's comments, I can see his point, but if loading/unloading can be done when it's not particularly warm out (i.e., most evenings/early mornings in my area) it would be worth a try.

[odfrank]

I have pictures of some two hive screened pallets that I made, with slot for mite test board. PM me with your email address and I will send them if you are interested. I lost 75% of these colonies last winter, so don't build them for mite control.

[pahvantpiper]

Greenbeekeeping, thanx for the heads up. I'll be using these screened bottoms on only some hives in conjuction with sticky sheets. There will usually be something under the screen so hopefully the bees won't feel the urge to live under there.

Pm'd you Oliver, Thanx.

I think it's worth a try too Lupine, we'll see.

[2rubes]

Hi, found your other post. Make sure you use 1/8" wire cloth for screen. The bees shouldn't hang under that. A commerical beekeeper up here cut out the bottoms of his pallets and put 1/4" screen and he had that problem of the bees hanging underneath. The screen bottoms help with the mites, but it will not do it by itself, you need good hygenic queens and something to knock the mite load down every so often when your counts increase. Glad you are using sticky boards to monitor what's going on with your hives. Now you can see if there is a problem and treat accordingly.
Janet

[pahvantpiper]

Thanx Janet, definately using 1/8". This is more for detection than prevention.

Thanx Oliver, got your pictures and appreciate the help.

[Sundance]

You shouldn't have that problem if
you deck the pallet, elevate w/ 3/4"
stock and utilize top entrances. My
initial ones appear to work nicely.

[odfrank]

I did have one swarm cluster under a 1/8" screened pallet. The hive above died, I cut a hole in the screen, and the hive quick;y moved up into the boxes, after which I patched the hole. Big job as I had to dismantle the neighboring hive to flip over the pallet to scrap away the combs. Recently I also blew a queen from an excluded honey super, and when I placed her on the hive entrance the dumb chick ran under the screen. I have not yet checked to see if she returned up into the hive. I doubt it.

[greenbeekeeping]

The pallet that I am refering to did have 1/8 hardware cloth. When its warm they just tend to have some hang underneath it.