A mesh bottom base allows you to carry out crucial varroa surveillance without opening the hive. All you need is a piece of corflute or cardboard and some Vaseline. Please click this link for detailed instructions. The great thing about our mesh bottom base is that the mesh sits underneath the whole brood chamber. You won't miss a mite if you have any...

The mesh bottom board is one of the best things you can do to manage hive beetle; if you use this base in combination with a beetle trap you will be trapping both the beetles at the top of the hive and the ones that are defeated by the mesh. 

We have experimented and improved upon this design over a number of years. The mesh has a wide border at the entrance to conserve pollen. The custom-made plastic tray is deep enough to hold a generous amount of oil without overflowing.

This is one of our most popular hive components, and a favourite with HBS staff. Some of us have been running them for years. 

• Timber wax-dipped for durability

• The mesh provides ventilation for the hive

• Beetle fall through mesh but bees can walk over it no problem

• Mesh and tray can be removed for cleaning, if needed

• Sturdy plastic tray can be filled with oil or diatomaceous earth. 

The rear part of the riser on this base is attached with two 35mm staples (not screws), to make room for the tray. Please make sure not to pick the base up by the riser as the staples may come loose. The wood may look discoloured in places. This is not dirt. It is result of the wax-dipping product. As a consequence of this wax-dipping the timber in your base will look the same for years. 

Stephen (Aussie Bee Keeping on YouTube) has been kind enough to review this product for us! Take a look (the base pictured in the video is the 8-frame version).