[kyfarmer]

Screen Bottom Boards from Kelley's have a removable screen. how important is that? If I make some SBB why can't I just staple the mesh to the bottom and make it non-removable? (oh bty i am using cedar- been reading the cedar thread)

 

[c10250]

Removable screen?? Do you mean removable bottom?? From my understanding, if the bottom is not removed the mites will just walk back into the hive. If the bottom is open, they fall on the ground and won't make it back in.

 

[kyfarmer]

yes the Kelley SBB has both a removable bottom and a removable screen.

 

[StevenG]

Kyfarmer, make your sbb's, and staple the screen. However, make it in such a way that you can use a removable sticky board, and removable piece of plywood for a winter bottom board if you so desire in the future. It is easier to build it that way, and not use the removable solid bottom feature, than it is to want to slide a piece of thin plywood in, closing the bottom, and not being able to. At any rate, you'll want to be able to slide a sticky board in to check mite fall.
Regards,
Steven

 

[greengecko]

What size of screen mesh are most using for SBBs?

 

[BeeCurious]

It's nice being able to slide the screen out to remove any dead bees or larger debris...

 

[beemandan]

I got a few of Kelley's. I don't think I've ever had occasion to remove the screen. Everyone else seems to staple theirs in place.

 

[Ross]

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

 

[KQ6AR]

I have a couple of the Kelly screen bottoms. I can clean the bottom board in 30 seconds without taking the hive apart. The side rails are 2x4, so I was able to attach legs to them.
Good product.

1/8" screen

 

[BeeCurious]

I did the same thing. I've removed and cleaned my screens twice in about six weeks. I have the sticky boards in for the winter and I clean off debris when I visit the hives.

I like being able to pull the screens to keep things clean.

Kelley's #57-O has a landing board that is angled right up to the side pieces making it difficult to install a robbing screen. I don't think the model #57-A would hold up as well if legs were attached, but they look nice for $20