[psm1212]

I have very hot summers. Perhaps slatted racks would provide a "place to hang out." But I have the same question you do about whether they really need a place to hang out inside the hive, when they can beard on the outside. The picture below is not an uncommon site in July and August in my bee yards. Until a study comes out showing an undeniable positive effect of slatted racks, I will just let mine continue to beard. I do not want another piece of kit to deal with.

 

[psm1212]

FWIW - I've come to the conclusion that Varroa is going to remain with us for a very long time indeed, and so it seems appropriate that the basic beehive design be modified to take account of this. So - all my hives are now to be fitted with 'cavity bases' to accommodate a band-heater equivalent of the Varrox. [a simple steel can fitted with a 150W band-heater; cost around 3GBP ($4 US) each; up to 8 hives dosed simultaneously, controlled by a timer/SSR - no need for accurate temperature control]

As the cavity will be around 3" high and a permanent feature, I'll be fitting removable Slatted Racks (CC Miller style) in each cavity to prevent wild comb being drawn there. Entrances will be above the Slatted Rack, not below them as currently.

Dosing 8 hives at a time, I'll probably allow 15 mins for each application, as speed will no longer be an issue. No need for personal protection either, as I'll be indoors during the treatment enjoying a coffee (or beer !).
LJ

Is this a concept in your mind right now, or have you actually built some of these?

I assume the OA pan (or "steel can") is also removable from the 3" cavity?

So you either have the OA pan in or the slatted rack in the hive at all times, but not both?

You load your OA pans with the prescribed dosage, close off your entrances, set your timer(s), leave.

Drink beer.

Return the next morning to open your entrances, retrieve your OA pans and reinsert your slatted racks.

Power could be tricky, but could be worked out.

Very interesting. Would love to see a prototype.

 

[psm1212]

I'm sold. Going to do a little exploring on your website and see what else you have cooked up!