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biobee Site Admin

Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 1063 Location: UK, England, S. Devon
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Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 5:21 pm Post subject: Mesh floor material |
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Many people ask me where to get suitable mesh for the floor of their hives. The stuff I used 5 years ago no longer seens to be available in the UK, and alternatives seem hard to come by.
The ideal would be a strong mesh made from corrosion-proof material, that can be sterilized if necessary, and that will lay flat and keep out wasps, wax moth and other nasties. It needs to have holes between 2.5 and 3.5mm, to allow mites to fall through.
Likely materials are: stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminium, nylon, PVC/other plastics, more-or-less in that order (without reference to their environmental impact).
Until now, I have referred people to horticultural suppliers, as suitable screening meshes can often be obtained from them. Other possibilities include: builders' merchants, specialist mesh-makers (there are such places still, I believe) and I have just identified another source - needlework/craft suppliers. My local craft shop - I just discovered - sells a nylon (that's what it looks like) mesh in pieces cut to 10.5" x 13.5", which could be cut lengthways to fit across a 5" opening. I think it is sold for some kind of cross-stitch work, and has holes around 2.5mm square. It is made in the USA and is labelled 'Darice 7 mesh #33900-2 white'.
I was also told the other day of a stainless steel mesh of around 3mm that is used in the clay refining trade.
Another idea - discussed somewhere on this forum - is to use PVC plumbing tubes, mounted on a suitable rack under the floor, with 3mm gaps.
If anyone has other ideas, or sources of material, please post here!
Last edited by biobee on Mon Mar 15, 2010 10:11 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Ishamael70 Guest
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Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:17 pm Post subject: |
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I used a galvanized hardware cloth that you can find at Lowe's (the 1/4" mesh works well) - not sure what the equivalent would be in the UK. |
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biobee Site Admin

Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 1063 Location: UK, England, S. Devon
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Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 9:39 pm Post subject: |
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Ishamael70 wrote: | I used a galvanized hardware cloth that you can find at Lowe's (the 1/4" mesh works well) - not sure what the equivalent would be in the UK. |
Worker bees and wasps will crawl through 1/4" /6mm mesh. You really need something smaller - or go bottomless and not bother with a mesh at all! |
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Barry Jackson Foraging Bee

Joined: 27 Jan 2009 Posts: 231 Location: UK, London N2
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Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 11:00 pm Post subject: Mesh |
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Hi Folks
From a previous post (63 of mine) for plastic coated mesh:-
The company is:- The Mesh Company, Unit 1, Farrell St, Warrington, Cheshire
WA1 2WW
Email - sales@themeshcompany.com
They will cut to your size.
Cheers
Barry |
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AndrewM Foraging Bee
Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 139 Location: USA, Baltimore, Maryland
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Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 3:11 am Post subject: |
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I used # 6 SS mesh that I bought here: http://www.twpinc.com/twpinc/control/product/~category_id=TWPCAT_12/~product_id=006X006S0350W48T
The holes are just small enough so the bees cannot get through.
Two problems. It's expensive, paid more for it than everything else combined. And I think small hive beetles can get through it.
If it wasn't for the small hive beetle issue (and the cost) it would be perfect.
I am debating what size to use on the next hive. I remember seeing a # 7 SS mesh in a catalogue last year. I may try that, if I can find it.
Andrew |
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Tavascarow Silver Bee

Joined: 24 Jun 2008 Posts: 962 Location: UK Cornwall Snozzle
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Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 7:21 am Post subject: |
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I've just consulted the google genie & come up with these two results.
http://www.brass-grilles.co.uk/wire_mesh_grille.html
http://www.johnstaniar.co.uk/stainless-steel-mesh.html
The second one I haven't contacted yet.
The first one has an online calculator that gives a quote & 127mm x 1200mm (5" x 47" brass or stainless) price is £16.30 per unit.
10 to 25 of the above & the price drops to £11.08 per unit.
Delivery is £12.50 regardless of quantity (UK mainland).
Wondering if we could set up a bulk buy & distribute between ourselves? |
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Duboisi Guest
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Ishamael70 Guest
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Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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biobee wrote: | Ishamael70 wrote: | I used a galvanized hardware cloth that you can find at Lowe's (the 1/4" mesh works well) - not sure what the equivalent would be in the UK. |
Worker bees and wasps will crawl through 1/4" /6mm mesh. You really need something smaller - or go bottomless and not bother with a mesh at all! |
Oh, yeah - I doubled it up and offset it so that each square was halved. I am hoping that will work! |
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coventrykid Guest
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Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 1:32 am Post subject: mesh floor material |
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Biobee says: It needs holes between 2.5 and 3.5mm to allow mites to fall through.
Andrew M says: And I think small hive beetles can get through it. (This was in reference to another mesh)
Question: Will Biobee's mesh stop small hive beetles? |
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Ishamael70 Guest
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Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:01 pm Post subject: |
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Ishamael70 wrote: | biobee wrote: | Ishamael70 wrote: | I used a galvanized hardware cloth that you can find at Lowe's (the 1/4" mesh works well) - not sure what the equivalent would be in the UK. |
Worker bees and wasps will crawl through 1/4" /6mm mesh. You really need something smaller - or go bottomless and not bother with a mesh at all! |
Oh, yeah - I doubled it up and offset it so that each square was halved. I am hoping that will work! |
OK well my idea didn't work.
I yanked out the hardware cloth and replaced it with a 2.5mm needlepoint mesh that seems like it will work nicely. My wife was kind enough to sew a few pieces together so there were no gaps, to get it to the 36+ inches we needed to cover the bottom of the hive.
It's a bummer it took me so long to figure it out, the hardware cloth was like $12, while each needlepoint mesh sheet (I used 4 I think) was like $0.39
Oh well, live and learn!
EDIT: I bought the mesh at Michael's craft store chain. |
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dan1 Nurse Bee
Joined: 27 Aug 2009 Posts: 26 Location: UK, Bristol
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Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:10 pm Post subject: cut up normal varroa mesh! |
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Some of the beekeeping suppliers sell squares of varroa mesh floors, 18" square for about a fiver (eg fragile planet ltd). I cut one of these into 3 strips which overlapping end-to-end make a decent 6" by 50" strip for a long TBH. |
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Nicki P Guest
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Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 12:30 pm Post subject: Mesh floor for TBH |
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We bought the mesh from our beekeeping supplies - it is the same as they use for varoa screen so should be perfect. They sell it by the meter - it wasn't too expensive and is easy to cut and manipulate. |
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Ozark Lady House Bee
Joined: 21 Mar 2010 Posts: 12 Location: USA, N.W. Arkansas
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Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 9:20 pm Post subject: |
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I just checked in my hobby supplies, I have 6 pack of multi colored plastic canvas for cross stiitch. It is 7 mesh. It cost me $.75 for the package with 6 sheets that are about 10x13".
There is white, flourescent yellow, hot pink, and purple... would color matter? Or is it only the hole spacings?
It is made by Uniek, Inc. Waunakee, Wi 53597 |
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biobee Site Admin

Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 1063 Location: UK, England, S. Devon
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Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 10:05 pm Post subject: |
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Oh yeah, colour matters. I mean, can you imagine bees with any taste at all wanting a hot pink floor? It just wouldn't go with their stripes!  |
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jtcweb Guest
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Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 2:18 pm Post subject: |
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Here in the US no one near me had 1/8" hardware cloth (why is wire mesh called cloth?) in stock. However the local ACE hardward was willing to order a roll, I just had to wait a week until the next truck came in. |
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luvfunstuff House Bee
Joined: 31 Mar 2010 Posts: 12 Location: USA, MO, City of Rolla
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Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 4:29 am Post subject: The PERFECT mesh found at Lowes Home Improvement/Hardware |
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I found this mesh in the gutter/soffit/fascia area at Lowes- a major chain hardware store here in the Midwest USA. It was about $9.00. It's made of fiberglass, so it's flexible & very strong. It measures 8 inches X 100 feet. There are 9 holes per linear inch. (exactly the 8 to 10 holes per inch that is recommended in the plans)
It is called "All Purpose VENT SCREENING" by a company called New York Wire - their motto is "Quality Screen Products for Every Corner of the World" so I guess they sell overseas too? (in UK?) they have titles and instructions in Spanish & French on the package too.
This mesh is designed to keep leaves out of gutters, and bugs & varmints out of vents in the soffits or louvers. I would still recommend applying 1/4 inch galvanized steel hardware cloth on the outside of the screen floor to keep out large hungry critters like raccoons or skunks.
Good luck all!
Michelle |
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strider3700 Foraging Bee
Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 147 Location: Canada, BC, nanaimo
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Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 6:02 am Post subject: |
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I went to michaels today and found #7 needlepoint mesh for $0.50 a sheet. That works out to 3.6mm spacing. I just overlapped the ends a bit and used 3 and 1/2 to cover the bottom so it was less then $2 to do it. That was for the burgandy color. White/black/anything else was 70 cents each. |
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d_a_n_d_a_n House Bee

Joined: 13 Apr 2010 Posts: 18 Location: UK, East Yorkshire, Seaton
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 7:57 am Post subject: mesh floor |
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Dear all,
just found some mesh 0.5m x 25m - white - plastic, on eBay - £14.
only problem is the aperture size is only 2mm x 2mm.
will this be OK or are the holes too small? |
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biobee Site Admin

Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 1063 Location: UK, England, S. Devon
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 10:55 am Post subject: |
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Adult Varroa will not readily fall through a 2mm mesh, being about that size themselves. |
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Ivan Scout Bee
Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 420 Location: UK, Scotland, Border Hills
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 11:18 am Post subject: |
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biobee wrote: | Adult Varroa will not readily fall through a 2mm mesh, being about that size themselves. |
You could push them through with the back of a wooden spoon |
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Norm Moderator Bee

Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 2974 Location: UK in winter, Sweden in summer
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 11:23 am Post subject: |
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Beg to differ! The adult mite is 1-1.8 mm long and 1.5-2 mm wide. I have used 2mm mosquito netting before. Of course they have more chance of latching on to a 2mm hole than a 3mm hole but I think it would still be useable. |
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Gareth Wise Bee

Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 3060 Location: UK, England, Cotswolds
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 1:26 pm Post subject: |
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I like the wooden spoon approach. Like the old fashioned way of making a puree for baby food or similar. Probably highly nutritious...... |
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d_a_n_d_a_n House Bee

Joined: 13 Apr 2010 Posts: 18 Location: UK, East Yorkshire, Seaton
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 7:32 pm Post subject: |
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again - thanks for your input, although the conflicting views make it hard for me to make a desicion!
just thought that at 0.5m x 25m at £25 that this was a bargain
do we have a concise answer - is 2mm x 2mm plastic mesh desirable or mearly acceptable(ish)???
HELP? please.
Dan |
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Cacklewack Scout Bee

Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 282 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 10:13 pm Post subject: |
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While I don't screen my floors anymore, when I did I used 1/8 inch hardware cloth from a local hardware store. I may experiment with it again at some point.
Cheers,
Matt |
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Norm Moderator Bee

Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 2974 Location: UK in winter, Sweden in summer
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d_a_n_d_a_n House Bee

Joined: 13 Apr 2010 Posts: 18 Location: UK, East Yorkshire, Seaton
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Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2010 2:57 pm Post subject: |
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Cheers Norm
1 sheet will do a four foot Phil Kenyan!
Awaiting delivery now!
Thanks again! |
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womblin3 New Bee
Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 4 Location: UK, Wales, Welshpool
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Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 11:53 am Post subject: |
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My, but they sting you with the postage on that site!
Thanks though Norm, I was having trouble finding suitable mesh. This solved the problem nicely for me.  |
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Judith Foraging Bee

Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 165 Location: Canada, B.C. , Denman Island
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Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 10:23 pm Post subject: screen floors |
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I just installed a 3 lb package into a 4ft HTBH. Lots of bees, very gentle, released queen yesterday and everything seems to be humming along.
My question is, since the mesh floor is fixed on the hive and I have a closely suspended bottom board for potential mite counting, what about all of the dead bees (there seem to be many) which have accumulated on the hive floor?
Will they eventually haul them out? Its early days, so I would imagine they are concentrating on building comb. I feel as though I should have made the screen bottom "dumpable" so that I could clear it of the girls that expired in transport. |
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biobee Site Admin

Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 1063 Location: UK, England, S. Devon
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Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 10:36 pm Post subject: |
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Bees will do their own housekeeping, given time, but I think there is a good argument for making floors openable. |
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Judith Foraging Bee

Joined: 29 Jun 2008 Posts: 165 Location: Canada, B.C. , Denman Island
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Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 11:07 pm Post subject: |
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thank you. "openable" is a much better word.
also, I noticed in one of your videos (installing laundry basket of bees into hive after a winter under cover) that you did not replace top bars on the outsides , either side of the follower boards. I would think the bees could then slip under the cover into the empty space? I suppose there would be no motivation for this...
And, how many days do you think I should wait before going in and checking for the addition of empty bars. They are currently enclosed in 7 bars. |
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