screened bottom board?

[Rob73]

How long do you run a screened bottom board? Do you leave it on all winter long, or do you swap it out with a regular bottom board when the cold weather hits? It gets to maybe -10 for a night or so here in Kentucky where I live, but usually a month or so of 30 degrees is about all we get.

[indypartridge]

I'm well north of you and I leave mine on and open all winter.

[Ravenseye]

Mine stay on and open all winter although I provide a windbreak around the hives.

[spencer]

I leave them open all winter long as well. Plus I also have an upper entrance that I think helps control moisture build up in the hive along with the screened bottom boards

[JOHNYOGA2]

Wide open all winter, central Indiana

[Bsupplier]

Wide open all year with a 2" vented super on the top.

[Rob73]

Thanks! When do you know if you can use the vented super? Or if you need to use one?

Rob

[spencer]

I will just put a stick in between the inner and outer cover for most of the year, to help with ventilation (except during August where robbing becomes an issue up here).

[Bsupplier]

When you see bees bearding outside it's a pretty good indication you could use more venting.

[paulnewbee1]

all winter with the screen with top venting Wisconsin S E.

I just put a vent stick on all the super have to get my bottom screen on this week. the girls are a little hot today. a few hangout enjoying the heat. I offered them a beer but I drink it because I was to hot.