I have my hive on a raised stand that is slightly larger than the hive. It has a solid top, and I am using a screened bottom board. Should the stand be open on the top to allow for better ventilation or is it OK as is?
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It's ok as it is as far as ventilation goes. But you are making a place for mites to land when they fall through the screen. Your bees will crawl under the screen and pick up the mites again. You could open the stand so the mites fall to the ground.
I think winter ventilation is important to prevent condensation from dripping back on the hive (when the bees are in cluster and can't fan). But the bees usually handle summer ventilation by themselves. Remember that if the outdoor temps are above 94 degrees (the target temperature of the brood nest) more ventilation actually is overheating the hive.
The debris gathering under the screen will be a perfect breeding ground for SHB and wax moth.
Open the stand top so it can fall to the ground.
I hadn't thought about the pest problem. Thanks!