Guilfordbeekeepers.org

I am thinking of attempting to convert a screened bottom board into a solid board and am looking for simple ways to to it. My initial thought is to cut flashing metal to fit over the INSIDE screened opening and either staple it down or tack it with 1/4 inch tacks. This would not leave a gap open to the hive and would not badly compromise bee space between the bottom board and the frames in the first super.

Rather than wait for the bees to show me the flaws in this plan, I'm asking for ideas/suggestions.

Flashing sounds like it would work.
I was thinking of removing the screen cutting a wood insert the size of the hole, putting a small nailing strip on the outside for the insert to rest on, caulk the seams on the inside and maybe a bit of paint.

I would remove the screen so there is no protected space between the screen and flashing.

Just thinking out loud, haven't tried it yet.

Rob I could easily cut an exact board to fit for you. Just bring me some plywood 1/4" plus the screened bottom board. Then you could also remove it I you want next spring.

I decided to buy unassembled solid bottom boards, put them together, and replace the screened bottom boards as I get around to them this Spring. I was not happy with my skills at the sugar roll for varroa assessment and am going to keep the screened bottoms to use for sticky board mite counts. When I want to do mite counts, I'll just switch out a solid bottom board for a screened one and take the opportunity to scrape and clean the solid bottom board before putting it back.

Thanks for your suggestions and offers.