Pine Screened IPM Bottom Board For 10 Frame Hive with a Corrugated Plastic tray

• The IPM (Integrated Pest Management) screened bottom board is a non-chemical way of pest control.  This type of board increases brood production and reduces varroa mite counts by allowing varroa mites to fall through the screen.
• We use 7x7 (.13” opening) galvanized after woven hardware cloth for the screen. This size wire mesh prevents the bees from getting through the screen but allows easy passage of hive beetles.
• Allows better monitoring of varroa mite infestation levels. 
• The corrugated plastic tray has the following features:
• 3/16” corrugated plastics sheets are embedded in a uniquely designed wood tray to make sure the tray fits snugly inside the bottom board. The edges where the sheet is embedded are sealed with a marine grade caulk to prevent leaks.
•  we leave a 1/8” opening around the tray so no bees have access to the liquid.
• We place wood diverters in each corner to direct the hive beetles onto the screen.
• The bottom board comes fully assembled using Titebond glue and 1.5-inch galvanized nails.

The tray can be used for mite counts, hive beetle control and when it gets cold to help the bees keep the hive warm.  Remove the tray during the summer months to maximum air flow.  Simple add liquid (vegetable oil, mineral oil, or even soapy water) or just sprinkle lime dust in the tray and be rid of your hive beetles in a little as 48 hours.

Pine is the most popular wood for making beehives. All my wooden ware is made to exacting specifications in my state-of-the-art workshop.

Note:  We recently upgraded this bottom board to embed the corrugated sheet in a wooden tray.  We did this to strengthen the insert and allow the use of liquids to help with hive beetle control.