Build Bottom Boards with Hive Beetle Traps

Beekeeping can come with its fair share of challenges, and one of the most common problems many beekeepers face is the small hive beetle. These beetles can cause significant damage to a hive if not managed properly. To address this, I decided to build new bottom boards for my hives, incorporating traps designed to catch these pests. The bottom board is essential in beekeeping as it's the foundation on which all hive boxes sit, and adding beetle traps to it can help mitigate the damage caused by these pests.

The process began by constructing the outer frame of the bottom board, cutting pieces of wood to 1 ¾ inches, and using a dado blade to create a half-inch groove to hold a plywood bottom panel. I used half-inch plywood for the panel, as it was available in my shop and works well with the jar lids I plan to use.

 After constructing the frame, I attached the sides and back, carefully tracing the position of the jar lids to ensure a proper fit. The molding was then secured in place, followed by drilling small holes in the lids to allow the beetles to fall into jars filled with mineral oil and apple cider vinegar.

Once the boards were built and painted, I placed them beneath the hives, replacing the old bottom boards. After removing the hives from their previous position, I set up the new boards and secured the beetle traps in place. 

Although it's only been a day, the traps are already working, as I've found beetles inside the jars. This is both good and bad news; while it confirms that the traps are effective, it also means the beetles have infiltrated the hive. To combat this, I plan to add additional protection with Swiffers at the top of the hive and possibly use a product called Beetle Jail. I’ll be keeping an eye on the situation and sharing updates on Instagram.