I am a first year beekeeper with 20 hives. I've tried solid wood bottom boards, a fancy Jonz bottom board and now have all of our hives on PVC screened bottom boards. I am noticing a problem with our bees not wanting to use the bottom brood box after a second box is added on top. We just split one hive that was preparing to swarm and found the bottom box mostly empty. I suspect this is because the bees don't like the screen bottom, I have read about this on the forum.
I assumed that I needed the screen bottoms because it is so hot here in Florida and our hives are in full sun for most of the day. Am I wrong?
I'd prefer to stay away from the middle of the road option that use a tray to capture pests like the Freeman or Jonz style ones. When I have areas that the bees can't patrol they rapidly fill up with giant ants.
Thanks!
I assumed that I needed the screen bottoms because it is so hot here in Florida and our hives are in full sun for most of the day. Am I wrong?
I'd prefer to stay away from the middle of the road option that use a tray to capture pests like the Freeman or Jonz style ones. When I have areas that the bees can't patrol they rapidly fill up with giant ants.
Thanks!