[BeeHunter]

I'm just starting up here in Alaska and was asked by the guy I bought some bee's with about why I am using screened bottom boards? when all he's seen up in AK have been solid bottom boards. I have used screened and solid bottom boards in Missouri for a few years and prefer the screened even in winter. The overnight temps up here are around 30F and daytime temps soaring up to around 55F. I havent been to a club meeting(next Monday) so thought I'd ask around the shop here?
Any Alaska or Great North beeks have any input on this?

 

[G3farms]

BH is there mites or SHB that far north? I would venture to say no. Just my thinking (and that is asking a lot), but the solid bottom boards would hold in a little more heat for the brood nest.

 

[tecumseh]

First I would ask myself the PRIME question... What do screened bottom boards accomplish (no matter what the location) and then proceed from there?

 

[srvfantexasflood]

I have been to AK in the summer. (Flowers everywhere!) I know it can get so cold it kills the moose in some winters. I think having an open mind about might benefit you.You might have to leave what you know about beekeeping at the Canadian border.
I hope you share the information you gathered at the bee meeting with us. I am curious about the experienced beekeeps answers. I would like to know how they plan for spring build up in such a short amount of time. Maybe that's where the two queen method comes in handy???(you mentioned a two queen method in another post)