I have been using screened bottom boards for about 10-15 years.   However, 
I  have noticed that the bees make their brood nest further up in  the brood 
chamber.  I switched to the screened bottom boards for Integrated  Pest 
Management (IPM) reasons based on Dr. Hood and Dr. Delaplane's  research.
 
However,  I am wondering if screen bottom boards are worth the extra  since 
I typically do the "wash" method for testing for Varroa.  The  theory was 
that when Varroa fell thru the screens they could not get back  into  the 
hive, but I am wondering if this turns out to  be a smaller  percent than the 
number of mites that are chewed by the bees.
 
What has been the current practical consensus / findings from the  
experienced beekeepers in this group?  I am seriously thinking about going  back to 
solid bottom boards due to the expense and I am suspecting that the % of  
mites that fall thru the screen is a smaller % than that are chewed by the  
bees.
 
Thanks,
Dave MacFawn
Lexington, SC USA 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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