Hi all, I'd like to thank everyone for the replies concerning the use of slatted racks. I plan to start using them. A few people asked why I have only 1 hive. Essentially, I got a late start with making the preparations to bring back our family's bees (after we lost our last hive--probably due to mites--a few years ago). Time was more of an issue than money was. Hopefully, this hive will make it through the winter, so that I can start up some more hives next spring. George Imirie mentioned that he's been keeping bees for 65 years. My grandfather has also been keeping bees a long time--he started when he was 15, by obtaining his uncle's hives (via a horse team and a wagon). He's 93 now. (93 - 15 = 78!) If he were able to get around like he used to, I have no doubts he'd still be managing the bees himself. Proud to be a 4th-generation beekeeper, James Ralston