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It is amazing how easily bees will drown themselves in syrup. My first design was pretty deadly, so had another go.
This is the box with a space on either side for reservoirs -- the bees enter in the center section from beneath. It's about 3" deep and you could use almost anything for reservoirs -- these blue trays are from the local dollar store. The two of them will hold almost 1.5 US gals. Aluminum trays would work fine, too. Earlier in the spring, I had a piece of pollen patty in the center section, until they quit taking it.
Next are the enclosed ramps and top screen. It is all one piece and just pops into place with no fasteners. It's easy and quick to remove for cleaning. It's all made out of 3/8" lathe, 1/8" hardware cloth, and staples. All the wood was eventually painted inside and out, to resist moisture.
Here's a closeup of the end of one of the ramps. The bees are enclosed and can't get into the reservoir. I've been using this for a month, and haven't found a single bee drowned in the enclosed ramps.
Here's the box with the screen installed. The inner cover holds it in place.
I've probably got two or three hours in it. But it works, and should last for years.
This is the box with a space on either side for reservoirs -- the bees enter in the center section from beneath. It's about 3" deep and you could use almost anything for reservoirs -- these blue trays are from the local dollar store. The two of them will hold almost 1.5 US gals. Aluminum trays would work fine, too. Earlier in the spring, I had a piece of pollen patty in the center section, until they quit taking it.

Next are the enclosed ramps and top screen. It is all one piece and just pops into place with no fasteners. It's easy and quick to remove for cleaning. It's all made out of 3/8" lathe, 1/8" hardware cloth, and staples. All the wood was eventually painted inside and out, to resist moisture.

Here's a closeup of the end of one of the ramps. The bees are enclosed and can't get into the reservoir. I've been using this for a month, and haven't found a single bee drowned in the enclosed ramps.

Here's the box with the screen installed. The inner cover holds it in place.

I've probably got two or three hours in it. But it works, and should last for years.
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