Design and plans compliments of Paul Kelly and The University of Guelph
Convert a standard bottom board into a screened bottom board assembly to monitor and/or reduce varroa mite population levels.
Materials & supplies needed, per screened bottom board:
| Item | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Upper board – short – 16 ⅛ ” x ⅞” x ¾” |
| 2 | 2 | Upper board – long – 19″ x ⅞” x ¾” each |
| 3 | 1 | #8 mesh hardware cloth or stainless mesh 8 x 8 0.028″ – size 16⅛” x 19¾” from Gerard Daniel. We recommend stainless steel because it is highly weather-resistant and withstands formic acid treatments, making it ideal for bottom boards that are exposed to the outdoors year-round. |
| 4 | 2 | Lower board – long – 19″ x ½” x ¾” each |
| 5 | 1 | Lower board – short – 16 ⅛” x ½” x ¾” |
| 6 | 4 | 2″ galvanized nails |
| 7 | 6 | 1 ¼” galvanized nails |
| 8 | 1 ¼” staples | |
| 9 | 1 | Rear opening block, used to seal the area at the back, beneath the screened board – 1 wooden piece sized 14 ⅞” x 1¼” x ¾”, bevel top edge 10°(will fit the width of most standard bottom boards, it should also fit snuggly from top to bottom) |
Approximately 5 feet of 1″ x 2″ pine (or 1⅝” x ¾”) is required to complete the construction of one screened bottom board. It is suggested that the 19″ (#2, #4) and 16⅛”(#1, #5) pieces be cut to length first and then rip/cut those pieces to the proper widths. A piece of masonite, 18″ x 14 ⅝” x ⅛” (or to fit the bottom board you have) can be used as a tray below the screen so that it can be removed and cleaned.
The standard bottom board will need to be reversed end to end so that the usual “entrance” is now at the rear of the hive. The screened bottom board will sit on top of the reversed standard bottom board, with the bees entering at the front of the assembly. Cutting the standard bottom board to 20″ in length is recommended so that it is flush with the brood chamber. This prevents water from accumulating in the hive and extends the lifespan of the bottom board (see Bottom Board design).
Assembly:
Predrill and countersink holes into the ⅞” x 16 ⅛” end piece (#1). Then fasten the ⅞” x 16⅛” to the 2 side- ⅞” x 19″ (#2) with 2” screws (Fig 1,2). Next set up a plywood jig to keep the ⅞” frame square while attaching the screen. Staple on screen, squaring two sides and pulling tight on the third side. After fastening the screen, place the ½” frame pieces (#4, #5) on screen in opposite orientation of the ⅞” frame and fasten with to the ⅞” frame with 1 ¼” staples (Fig. 2). Use two staples at the overlapping end joint. The completed screened bottom board can be dipped in hot wax to extend the lifespan.
Download a printable version here: Screened-Bottom-Board-plans-2
Metric Unit Plans
Imperial Unit Plans