Betterbee screened bottom boards

[MELISSAA]

I'm confused??!! I recently purchased a hive set-up from betterbee. I just finished painting it and while I was setting it up just to check it out, I'm confused about the direction of the screened bottom board and the bottom board. I know you do not have to use them together but it doesn't seem to fit properly? The bees enter above the screen, right? Not to sound stupid but when I turn it so there is an open for the bees to enter, the tray props the screened board up a little, also the entrace reducer seems to be too long? Am I doing something wrong, do I or has anyone had to modify stuff from Betterbee? Also who seems to have good equipment that won't break the bank?

Please help,
melissa a

Don't get nervous I don't have my bees yet and no the aren't trapped in hive.:doh:

[michael-bees]

Turn the solid bottom board around so the tray is removable from the rear. Also the solid bottom board can be flipped to give 3/8 or 3/4 space. You need it so the 3/4 space is up.

[berkshire bee]

Melissa, It's easier to ask questions than guess or wonder. That's the great thing about this forum. Betterbee has good quality stuff and the prices are competitive. Hive bodies and supers are thicker than 3/4". One thing I don't like about bottom boards on the market is the strip of wood across the front. It keeps the bees from going under the screen, but it also holds in debris that falls down through the screen. Be sure to clean under there often. Wax moths like the dark space and free food

[MELISSAA]

michael,
thanks for the reply! I do have the 3/4 side facing upwards. The tray that was provided seems to prop the screen board up 1/8 and seems to be a bit shakey. Should I just save down the tray? The bees enter above the screen?

[MELISSAA]

thanks for the reply and not making me feel stupid. I just want to make sure I understand how everything works before I get my bees. I like Betterbees pricing and quick shipping, however I just want to waste money on cheaper quality stuff. The woodware seems to be pretty secure.

[michael-bees]

I think the tray is actually hitting on the edge of the sbb, the wooden part not the screen, correct? Either shave the tray or the back edge of the sbb. Yes bees on top of screen.

[mwjohnson]

Yeah, their trays are a little too thick.
I skip them anymore since there were around 4 $ a pop. Cardboard works good and can be tossed when your done.

I also thought that leaving the trays in regularly made it harder for the bees to keep control of the wax moth larvae that love to hang out under there, eating the pollen pellets that get dropped.

Well actually, I skip SBB's altogether anymore. Couldn't see where they helped much.
Colonies on solid floors just seem to do much better, for me, here, at least.
A lot of folks seem to like them...

Good Luck
Mark

And I would say yes, I think betterbees stuff is very good.

[michael-bees]

Yeah, their trays are a little too thick.
I skip them anymore since there were around 4 $ a pop. Cardboard works good and can be tossed when your done.

I also thought that leaving the trays in regularly made it harder for the bees to keep control of the wax moth larvae that love to hang out under there, eating the pollen pellets that get dropped.

Well actually, I skip SBB's altogether anymore. Couldn't see where they helped much.
Colonies on solid floors just seem to do much better, for me, here, at least.
A lot of folks seem to like them...

Good Luck
Mark
And I would say yes, I think betterbees stuff is very good.

Thanks, I thought it was just me. I have hives on solid only and on both, I think the hives on solid only are doing better. All are small cell. Had to add that.