Screened Bottom Boards?

[vabeeguy]

A couple of weks ago I installed screened bottom boards on my 4 hives.
Though I don't have major mite issues, I'm trying to avoid major issues and figured this would help along with adding some extra ventilation for the hot virginia summers. Though it's a ways off....the question is....can they be left on through winter if the insert is placed in? I had 100% surviaval last year without them through what was a fairly mild winter.
However, winters around here can go both ways. Does. anyone out there absolutly hate screened bottom boards? and why? By the way, my hives all set on the standard cedar hive stands which in turn are setting off the ground on a platform of cinderblocks. Thanks, on any imput.

[manowar422]

the question is....can they be left on through winter if the insert is placed in?

Definitely.

anyone out there absolutely hate screened bottom boards?

I wouldn't use anything else. Next winter I'll place insert boards
under the SBB, place a standard entrance reducer in (with the
smallest opening showing) and using the little half moon cutout
of the inner cover for a top vent.

Our weather is about 10 degrees different during the winter months.
The snowfall you get is mostly wet, while I receive rainfall due to
the higher temps.

If snowfall blocks your lower entrances, the top vent still allows
for cleansing flights. I think this would work for VA also.

BTW, my brother lives outside Lynchburg on 3 acres, it's beautiful there :)

[Michael Bush]

>can they be left on through winter if the insert is placed in?

Yes, my SBB are on all year around.  Some people leave the trays out all winter.  I put them back in for the winter and leave then in until it starts getting hot.

[amymcg]

I overwinter in Massachusetts with them, no problems.

[Summerbee]

I have found sbb hives to much cleaner than solids bbs, and of course in FL I leave mine on all year long.

[TwT]

I tried both SBB vs BB (with SBB open) this past winter just to see if there was a difference and even coming into the spring all hives doing fine, I thought the SBB would be behind a little but they were not, the big difference is in the summer, when the BB start to beard andthe SBB hives don't beard as much, I also have top ventilation also...

[mark]

past 2 years i've used sbb with NO insert at all.  chalk brood isn't a problem any more in the spring.  the hives winter well with only a wrap of tar paper.    i don't medicate either, not even a grease patty.  i'm in south jersey

[Robo]

I use them all year with the insert in for Winter and Spring.  I find that waiting until the nights are warm to remove the insert allows them to raise brood more quickly (easier to keep it warm).

[Rabbitdog]

BTW, my brother lives outside Lynchburg on 3 acres, it's beautiful there

MANOWAR,
Does your brother keep bees?   I live just outside of L-burg too.