bees in freeman beetle trap tray

[rober]

i've posted this before but it's still a problem. the freeman tray slides into a groove in the screened bottom board. the groove is also in the front of the bottom board so the tray is sealed from entry on 3 sides. there is a less than 3/32 gap at the rear of the bottom board. the screen is also sealed on 3 sides when properly installed & it is properly installed. how are the bees getting into the tray!?! the bees seem to be attracted to the oil.

[AllenF]

I used tape and sealed the front and rear air tight.   Just left it on after fall mite treatments.

[sawdstmakr]

They are probably getting in there at night when they are bearding. Go out late during the night on a hot night and you will find them all over and under the hive. Bees will fight to get into any space they can. reduce the gap to 1/8 and that will stop them. That is what I had to do with my home made SBB.
Jim

[rober]

since it's underneath how do you tape the front? & i just edited my original post to read 3/32. the gap IS less than 1/8"

[AllenF]

Masking tape.  Looks better when painted white than duct tape.   

[sawdstmakr]

since it's underneath how do you tape the front? & i just edited my original post to read 3/32. the gap IS less than 1/8"

I stapled a metal window screen under the oil pan. I did this to allow ventilation in, in front of the pan and to keep the bees out. I use the metal screen because I have an old large role of it.
Jim

[Sundog]

How large are the holes in your screen and are you certain there are no other holes in your bottom board?  Carpenter ants can ruin a board in a few days.

[rober]

no holes-no ants

[sawdstmakr]

How large are the holes in your screen and are you certain there are no other holes in your bottom board?  Carpenter ants can ruin a board in a few days.

It's window screen. The type you use to keep bugs out of your house. Most screens today are nylon or plastic but I just happen to have this role in my barn so I used it. The holes are a lot smaller that the #8 in a standard SBB. It also forces the SHB to come in the back where they fall into the oil.
Jim