Couldnt find 1/8 hard cloth but found this.....

[beekeeperookie]

I went to several local hardware stores and some big names and know one had any, so I figure I try Hobby Lobby, that size mesh I figured the crafters use it for floral arrangements and such.  They didnt have any metal but I found a 1/8 plastic mesh looks to be used to crochet.  Anyway can I use this plastic one as my wiring for the bottom board?

[Apis629]

I have worries about how well plastic mesh will stand up to the outside enviornment.  I couldn't find #8 hardware cloth either and went with old window screening.

[Greg Peck]

I dont know either way about the plastic, I would not use it myself. But then again I was able to find hardware cloth. If you have one in your area check out ACE hardware. That is the only place I could find it here in central Pa. Lowes and Home depot did not have it here.

[Kathyp]

will window screen let the crud drop through?  i googled it and found some places that sell hardware cloth or mesh.

[Robo]

Don't use it!

It is not UV tolerant and will crack and fall apart.  Stop by a local campground and I'm sure you'll find somebody that is into windcatcher (for some reason windcatchers and RVs go together :?) and has made one out of that plastic craft stuff and see for yourself.


If a local hardware store can't get it for you,   Betterbee has the best price.

[KONASDAD]

Hardware stores sell it. Look in the area where they sell small fencing materials for a garden for example. They have galvanized types used to keep out critters from gardens or used for rabbit cages and the like.

[Apis629]

I had worried about the same thing with the window screening, kathyp.  I actually taped a sheetpan under it and, in a few days, there were wax flecks, mites, little bits of pollen and other unidentifiable little things.  It has worked just fine for me. 

[Jerrymac]

Don't use it!
It is not UV tolerant and will crack and fall apart. 

But Mr. Robo. It is under the hive. The UVs can't get to it. :-D

[AndersMNelson]

ACE is the place.

[michelleb]

If your local hardware store doesn't stock it, they'll probably order it for you, especially if you need lots of it. There is a difference between galvanized and stainless--both in quality and in price.

ACE is known for carrying it, no matter where you are, and if they don't have something, they're usually really cool about special orders. I happened to get mine (Kathy, fyi) at Wichita Feed and Hardware on Johnson Creek Boulevard.

[Kathyp]

thanks.  i must admit to laziness.  i went to ruhl and bought more SBBs already assembled.  :-)  i am putting off the barn extraction because of the cold, but figured to spread the spring expenses over a couple of months. 

[Michael Bush]

Really good hardware have it in stock.  Fair hardware stores will order it for you.  Poor ones don't care.

You can also buy it from Betterbee, Brushy Mt and many other suppliers.

[Paraplegic Racehorse]

Unsurprisingly, your local farm-supply ("Mill-n-Feed" type) may also stock it.

Also, check with business that specialize in fence materials.

[buzzbee]

Just wondering,
How much uv would this plastic be exposed to undr the hive?
Just a thought! :)
Sorry Jerrymac missed your same observation above!

[newbee101]

Window screen does not help with mites. You need larger hardware cloth, #8.

[Brian D. Bray]

If I couldn't find 1/8 inch cloth I would opt for 3/16 or 1/4.  Anything smaller and its like having a solid bottom board, the mites and wax won't fall through to the ground.

[TwT]

don't feel bad , I went to Ace hardware, home depot, Lowe's, and about 5 other places and none even carried less than 1/4 inch. so I ordered a roll from Better Bee..... I don't like window screen because it doesn't let the trash fall out, it is mainly good for ventilation.. I bought #7 cloth...

http://www.betterbee.com/products.asp?dept=522

[Robo]

Just wondering,
How much uv would this plastic be exposed to undr the hive?
Just a thought! :)
Sorry Jerrymac missed your same observation above!

Probably more than the inside of the tires on my trailer that have uv damage.  Especially during sunrise if it goes thru the entrance.  Don't forget,  UV reflection can be quite high too.

"How much UVB you're getting more closely correlates with how much sky you can see," Grant says. "If lots of the sky is obstructed, you're getting a lot less UVB."

In other words, if you're in a grove of trees or surrounded by tall brick walls with direct light hitting you, you're probably better off than you would be in the dense shade of a lone tree in a field.

Not sure about your hives, but mine are in open areas with lots of visable ski.

I suggest Jerry convert all his hives to it  :-D

[Trot]

Years ago they changed the thickness and type of plastic used as vapour barrier in housing construction. They found that the one first in use eventually deteriorated cause of UV.
The one approved for below grade is now black, (UV resistant) as opposed to the clear one, for use in the walls...

[qa33010]

    I checked all the Lowes, Home Depot, Ace, ect... and couldn't find it.  Figured I would have to pay shipping and order it.  Went to a local hardware store with my wife to get some 3/" plywood and hardiboard when on a whim I asked if the carried #8 hardware cloth.  The blank look was expected until they looked and sure enough their fine screen hardware cloth was 1/8".   woo-hoo!  Saved a bunch of money and since they go through it a lot I don't have to worry about ordering.