10. Screened Bottom Boards for Beehives: Pros and Cons :
- Kanna Das
- Feb 6, 2025
- 3 min read
Screened Bottom Boards for Beehives: Pros and Cons
If you’re a hobby beekeeper, you might have heard about screened bottom boards (SBBs) and wondered whether they’re worth the investment. A screened bottom board replaces the traditional solid bottom board in your hive with a mesh screen that allows air, debris, and small particles to fall through. It may seem like a simple change, but the effects can be significant, for better and sometimes not so great.
Pros of Screened Bottom Boards
1. Improved Ventilation
One of the biggest benefits of screened bottom boards is increased airflow. This extra ventilation helps reduce humidity and condensation in the hive—especially important in humid climates or during spring nectar flows. Bees work hard to manage hive temperature and moisture; anything that helps them do it naturally reduces stress on the colony.
2. Natural Varroa Monitoring
Screened bottoms make it easier to monitor varroa mite levels. You can place a sticky board or paper towel under the screen to catch and count mites that naturally fall off bees. This passive monitoring gives you a snapshot of mite pressure without disturbing the colony.
3. Pest Management
Small hive beetles, wax moth larvae, and hive debris can fall through the screen, making the hive less attractive to pests. The cleaner floor discourages beetles from hiding and breeding under frames.
4. Cleaner Hive Bottom
Brood cappings, dead bees, and other debris fall through the screen instead of piling up. A clean bottom helps reduce disease pressure and makes inspections easier.
Cons of Screened Bottom Boards
1. Reduced Winter Warmth
In cold climates, extra airflow isn’t always beneficial. Screens can allow cold drafts and chill older bees, especially in chillier regions. Some beekeepers prefer solid boards in winter to help retain heat.
2. Moisture Challenges
In damp conditions, wind can draw humid air through the screen, potentially increasing moisture problems if other parts of the hive aren’t well ventilated.
3. More Frequent Cleaning
Debris that falls through the screen lands on the tray or ground below, and needs occasional cleaning—especially if you’re using a mite monitoring sticky board.
How to Use Screened Bottom Boards Effectively
⭐ Varroa Monitoring
Place a sticky board under the screened board whenever you want to estimate varroa pressure.
Leave it in place for 24–72 hours, then count mites. Small, regular checks help you decide when to treat without guesswork.
⭐ Seasonal Adjustments
Summer: Enjoy the ventilation and pest control advantages.
Winter: Some beekeepers attach a solid board insert in colder months to reduce drafts or use a partial screen cover.
⭐ Cleaning and Maintenance
Periodically lift the hive and sweep out debris from under the screen.
Check for ants or beetles that may congregate under the hive.
If you’re using moist sticky boards, replace them regularly to avoid rot.
⭐ Pair with Other Management
Screened bottoms are best when combined with good hive placement (sunny, dry), moisture quilts, and strong colony management. They are a tool—not a standalone solution.
Screened bottom boards are a valuable tool in hobby beekeeping. They improve ventilation, assist in varroa monitoring, and help keep hives cleaner. However, they require thoughtful use—especially in winter—and are most effective when paired with good overall hive management. For many beekeepers, SBBs become a favourite part of the equipment kit once they see how much clearer their hive floors can be and how much easier it is to keep an eye on mite levels.
Screened Bottom Board - how to use it - better bee - video-3 min https://youtu.be/TgtEMf_sHnc?si=v9ZcVQHntncCp9nw
What to do with the screened bottom board in winter - the bee supply - video-3min
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