Screened Bottom Board Wire size ?

[Bee-Bop]

I am building a few Screened bottom boards, with 3/4 in. pans underneith to hold mineral oil, all information I believe I have found says " use # 8 hardware cloth "
I understand a adult small hive bettle is too large fit thru # 8 wire cloth, would
not # 7 hardware cloth work just as well ?
If i am correct, bees cannot pass thru # 7 but small hive bettles can.

Any comments will be appreciated.

Oh one other thing. Why isn't plain aluminum window screen mentioned for thing like bee robber screens, vent covers, etc . Just wondering

Thanks
Bee-Bop

[pdmattox]

Sounds like the #7 will work and so would the window screen. I use it to block entrances sometimes.

[BenC]

I've used plain aluminum screen before and it works, but I would not recommend it because one knock and it's pretty much shot.  Galv hardware cloth is much more durable and won't unravel.  I can clean hardware cloth of propolis and other junk by scraping it with a hive tool but don't see that working to well with window screen.  #8 won't get plugged with debris as easily/quickly.  For those who do varroa counts, #8 harware cloth would allow the mites to fall through and be caught for collection.  THE reasoning behind #8 beeing the standard?  I don't know.  I just use it because for me it works best. 

[Michael Bush]

Bees cannot get through #7 if the wires are straight.  If they are bent they can.