Wax Dipped Mesh Bottom Board with Beetle Trap - 8 and 10 Frames

A Wax-Dipped Hive Floor With Beetle Control Built In, No Painting Needed

The bottom board is the foundation of the hive, and a poor one means beetle infestations, moisture damage, ant invasions and stressed colonies. This board is New Zealand pine with a fine stainless steel mesh floor, a removable galvanised beetle trap tray, a slanted entrance and rubber-lined feet. Every board is wax dipped as standard, so it never needs painting. It comes in 8 frame and 10 frame sizes for Langstroth hives.

Why Wax Dipped Instead of Painted

Timber is submerged in a hot bath of beeswax and microcrystalline wax at around 150°C. The heat drives moisture out of the wood and the molten wax flows deep into the fibres, sealing the timber from the inside out. Paint only coats the surface and can crack and peel, while wax soaks in, with nothing synthetic near the bees and no re-coating every few years. Wax-dipped boards typically last 20+ years, against 10 to 15 for well-maintained painted boards.

Three-Stage Beetle Control Without Chemicals

Worker bees herd small hive beetles toward the floor, the fine mesh lets beetles and debris fall through while stopping bees, and the removable tray collects them where they cannot climb back. For the tray, use food-grade diatomaceous earth: a dry layer of about 5 to 10mm kills beetles mechanically, stays effective for months, and does not leak, turn rancid in hot weather or draw bees in as oil can. Refresh it every 1 to 2 months in beetle season.

Slanted Entrance and Rubber Feet

Rainwater runs down and away from the slanted entrance instead of pooling, which prevents mould, rotted timber and drowned bees. The rubber-lined feet lift the board off damp ground, make it harder for ants and termites to reach the entrance, absorb minor ground vibration and keep the hive level on uneven ground. They are an extra layer of protection, so still use a proper hive stand.

Two Seasons, One Tray

With the tray in, the board runs in beetle protection mode for most of the year. With the tray out in hot weather, the full mesh opens under the hive for ventilation, which can drop internal temperatures by 5 to 10°C on extreme days. Slide it back in when temperatures settle.

8 Frame or 10 Frame

The 8-frame board measures 50.5cm x 35.5cm and the 10-frame board 50.5cm x 40.5cm. They are not interchangeable, so match the size to your existing brood boxes and supers. The board pairs with our matching 8-frame and 10-frame Ideal boxes.

Maintenance

Empty the tray and refill with diatomaceous earth every 1 to 2 months in beetle season. Brush the mesh annually to clear wax debris and propolis, and check the rubber feet each year for wear. The exterior needs no upkeep.

Specifications

• Type: wax-dipped mesh bottom board with beetle trap and rubber-lined feet
• Material: New Zealand pine, wax dipped
• Finish: wax dipped, no painting required
• Sizes: 8 frame (50.5cm x 35.5cm) or 10 frame (50.5cm x 40.5cm)
• Compatibility: standard Langstroth 8-frame and 10-frame hives
• Mesh: fine stainless steel, stops bees, lets beetles drop through
• Tray: removable galvanised steel, recommended with food-grade diatomaceous earth
• Entrance: slanted to shed rainwater
• Feet: rubber-lined, ground isolation and ant protection
• Ventilation: tray in for beetle control, tray out for summer airflow
• Lifespan: 20 to 25+ years with proper care

Does this bottom board need painting?

No. Every board is wax dipped as standard, so the timber is sealed from the inside out and needs no painting or re-coating.

What sizes are available?

8 frame at 50.5cm x 35.5cm and 10 frame at 50.5cm x 40.5cm. They are not interchangeable, so match your brood boxes.

How does the beetle trap work?

Bees push beetles down, they fall through the stainless mesh, and the removable tray below collects them where they cannot return to the hive.

What should I put in the tray?

Food-grade diatomaceous earth, a thin dry layer of about 5 to 10mm. It stays effective for months, with no mess or smell.

How often should I refresh the tray?

Every 1 to 2 months during beetle season. Slide it out, dispose of the contents, refill with diatomaceous earth and slide it back.

How does wax dipping protect the timber?

Hot wax at around 150°C drives out moisture and soaks deep into the fibres, making the timber weatherproof and rot-resistant.

Can I use the board in hot weather?

Yes. Pull the tray out and the open mesh ventilates the hive, which can drop internal temperatures by 5 to 10°C on extreme days.

What do the rubber-lined feet do?

They lift the board off damp ground, make it harder for ants and termites to reach the entrance, dampen vibration and keep the hive level.

Do I still need a hive stand?

Yes. The rubber-lined feet add protection but are not a substitute for a proper hive stand.

How long does a wax-dipped board last?

Wax-dipped boards typically last 20 years or more with proper care, compared with 10 to 15 for well-maintained painted boards.