All our hives are on fully open mesh floors. Some are up on stands, some just raised 2-3" from the ground on blocks (so sheltered by vegetation). No significant difference in winter survival or food use. We regularly get swarms go in empty hives. Best wishes Peter *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm