SBB's

[brac]

I am considering SBB's so I have a few questions. I will be building my own, and have never actually laid hands on one. Best construction technics? Type and size of screen? Do any of the commercial guys use them? What are these "sticky boards" I hear about using for mite counts? Anything I missed?
Thanks

[Hambone]

I like Ross’ design.

http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/bottomboard/bottomboard.htm

Use # 8 hardware cloth.

[Ski]

I agree with Hambone. I like the my old tools design. The first one I built was a bit rough just trying to see how the parts fit together. Then you can start cranking them out, they are sturdy and with a couple of coats of oops paint will last a long time.
Happy Building,
Ski

[hemichuck]

The sticky boards that go in the bottom are just a flat sheet of corrugated plastic(old political or yard signs)that you can slide under your screen.You coat them with oil and count the mites that fall on them to get an idea of how many mites you have.I cut mine out of political signs that are pretty much free for the taking every November the 6th.I tape some white paper to them and put a little cooking oil on them to make the mites stick

[hemichuck]

Oh yeah,I forgot to say that you can install the sticky boards to control air flow into your hive during winter.Cuts down on the serious draft through the screened bottom.

[honeyman46408]

For what its worth here is how I make mine

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/honeyman46408/th_09190915141-1.jpg

[Hambone]

Have a bigger pic of that? Even my young eyes hurt trying to see it.

[Ski]

I am sure there are other sites and descriptions around on checking for mites
Thought I would provide this one from North Carolina State University

http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/entomology/apiculture/Html%20files/VarroaSampling.ppt.htm

[honeyman46408]

for Hambone

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/honeyman46408/09190915141-1.jpg?t=1258070305

[Hambone]

Thanks HM!

[Myron Denny]

Tell us about the pan, it looks like aluminum and possibly built for a specific purpose?
The screen looks more like porch screen wire, not hardware cloth?

[honeyman46408]

:banana:The pan is for a half sheet cake

The wire is #8 hardware cloth

[Jack Grimshaw]

Can't beat this design. http://www.beesource.com/files/ipmbottom.pdf

I add 3 3/4x1 1/2 cross members across rhe bottom so I can move the hive with a hand truck.

Jack