Hive moving screen plans

[BEEMAN]

:?Does anyone have, or know where I can get the plans for a hive moving screen? I would like to make a couple to keep around when I need to move a hive or close up a hive when the farmers are spraying the sugar cane around this area. I would appreciate any information on finding plans for the screened hive moving screen.

[AllenF]

I don't know how complicated screens you want to build, I know a lot just use old window screen and shove in the entrance.  This summer with screened bottom boards, they had no problems.

[specialkayme]

I've seen ones for sale that have bee escapes in them too, so you can block off the top entrance and allow the foragers to return home (while not allowing others to leave) before you move them.

I'd love to see plans for those, if available. The only options I've seen is using a normal mechanical bee escape and taping it to a robbing screen, or poking cone holes in a pre-existing robber screen, neither of which I'm fond of.

Well, that and paying someone $12 to make a $0.90 part.

[hardwood]

Stuff the entrance with spanish moss.

Scott

[Kathyp]

i have a roll of cheep window screen that i use if the hive is a solid bottom.  if it's a screened bottom, i just duct tape the entrance reducer on and go.  you never want to be without the duct tape!

[fish_stix]

Take some #8 hardware cloth, 2" wide, cut it the width of the opening, bend it into a vee, and push it in the opening. When you get there pull it out! Has enough spring in it to hold it in place. Save it for the next move.

[L Daxon]

Take some #8 hardware cloth, 2" wide, cut it the width of the opening, bend it into a vee, and push it in the opening. When you get there pull it out! Has enough spring in it to hold it in place. Save it for the next move.

That's too simple. :shock: :shock: :-D

(Problem is you'll pay $$$$$ to a roll of #8 hardware screen.)

[L Daxon]

Take some #8 hardware cloth, 2" wide, cut it the width of the opening, bend it into a vee, and push it in the opening. When you get there pull it out! Has enough spring in it to hold it in place. Save it for the next move.

[specialkayme]

Cost me $18 at a local hardware store

[fish_stix]

We get it from Ace Hardware locally. Costs about $130-140 for a 100' roll; enough for a lifetime supply for a hobbyist. Not near enough for a commercial beek for a year's supply.

[AllenF]

Old window screen.  Free.   :-D

[specialkayme]

I've used window screen in the past, but moved away from it recently. It gets glued up by the bees.

[AllenF]

How long do you leave it on the hive?   Flex the screen when you are installing it and the old glue falls off.

[specialkayme]

I was referring to window screen generally used, not just as a moving screen. I've used them for ventilation purposes, screened bottom boards, ect.

You can always put it in the freezer and shake it off, but it's still extra work. Hardware cloth is just easier for me.