This section will include noteworthy ideas that make your chances of being a successfull beekeeper in the Northwest possible.
How-to Video:Â http://youtu.be/oU9fZ_P2VrA
Note on the cover vent: After testing the screened vent I found that in many of the deadouts the bees had sealed the screening solid with popolis thus defeating the intended venting effect. This very well could have lead to their death. The top entrance they often begin to use in the spring may be better in the fact that they don’t have to go down to the bottom board where dead bees, slugs and mold is often afoot. At the first sign of spring I replace all my bottoms and hit the wintering ones with the pressure washer to restore them to new. Perhaps a screened insert is the best way to go. Good luck!
This design lends itself to palletizing and stacking. Just be sure to avoid any random nails from the pallets above that may puncture the metal lid.
An improved bottom board for northern climates:
New Queen Cages for 2025 See Pictures:
Notice the slit in the lid section. This is for easy insertion of the queen cells if you use the plastic queen cell cups with the nubs on the backside.