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I did several searches on these forums and couldn't quite get the answer I was looking for.

What all should be taken into account when choosing what type of floor a top bar hive has?

Should there be ventilation?

Should pests be able to drop out?

Should pests be kept from coming in?

My situation in particular with a build I am doing called for a vent slit in the bottom. I've already cut the slit, so I just want to know if I should use typical screen material to cover the slit or a bigger (gauge?) material which would allow mites, etc to fall out?....or.....should I just leave it wide open?

Keep in mind that I am in central Florida, so it MAY get below freezing just a couple of days during the winter.

Here's a photo of what I have:



And by the way, if anyone is curious about the barrel-build I am almost done with, and others have done, here's the thread:

Just saw these top bar hives using barrel halves on youtube

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