Product Overview
BeeSmart Ultimate Bottom Board Cleaner – Beehive Cleaning Tool
Make cleaning dead bees and debris from your beehive easier with the BeeSmart Ultimate Bottom Board Cleaner! This specially designed, dual-ended beekeeping tool reaches deep into the hive to help remove accumulated dead bees, wax particles, and other debris without the hassle of using sticks or ordinary hive tools.
The curved hook end slides through the front hive entrance, allowing you to sweep across the bottom board and pull out debris with minimal disruption to the colony. The opposite scraper end is designed for cleaning removable inspection boards beneath screened bottom boards.
Made from durable technopolymer, the Ultimate Bottom Board Cleaner features an ergonomic design that is comfortable to use with or without beekeeping gloves. Its bright blue color also makes it easy to spot among your beekeeping equipment.
Features & Benefits
-
Dual-ended beehive cleaning tool: Combines a curved hook and a scraper for different bottom board cleaning tasks.
-
Reaches deep into the hive: The hook end gathers dead bees and debris across a wide area of the bottom board.
-
Minimal disruption to the colony: Clean accumulated debris through the front entrance without removing the hive bodies.
-
Fits Most Standard Bottom Boards: Designed to work with most solid and screened bottom boards, including 8-frame, 10-frame, and nuc hive configurations.
-
Convenient inspection board scraper: The flat scraper end removes accumulated debris from removable inspection boards beneath screened bottom boards.
-
Durable technopolymer construction: Made from tough, lightweight material designed for repeated use.
-
Comfortable ergonomic design: Features smooth edges and a handle that can be used with or without beekeeping gloves.
-
Easy-to-spot blue color: Helps you locate the cleaner among your other beekeeping tools.
-
Great for spring hive maintenance: Helps clear dead bees and debris that may accumulate during winter.
How to Use the BeeSmart Ultimate Bottom Board Cleaner
Cleaning the Bottom Board With the Hook End
-
Slide In: Insert the curved hook through the front entrance of your beehive.
-
Sweep Side to Side: Pivot the hook across the bottom board to gather dead bees and accumulated debris.
-
Pull Out: Draw the tool back through the entrance, bringing the debris out with it.
Repeat in both directions as needed. BeeSmart recommends using a swinging motion for the best cleaning results.
Cleaning With the Scraper End
-
Remove the inspection board from beneath your screened bottom board.
-
Use the flat scraper end to remove accumulated debris.
-
Scrape in both directions as needed.
The scraper can also be used on solid bottom boards when the hive bodies have been removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean my beehive bottom board without opening the hive?
Yes. The curved hook end is designed to slide through the front hive entrance, allowing you to remove accumulated dead bees and debris without taking apart the hive. This helps minimize disruption to the colony.
Does the BeeSmart Bottom Board Cleaner fit 8-frame and 10-frame hives?
Yes. BeeSmart designed this tool to work with most standard 8-frame, 10-frame, and nuc bottom boards. Actual access may depend on the bottom board and entrance configuration.
Will this tool work with a screened bottom board?
Yes. The scraper end is designed to clean removable inspection boards used beneath screened bottom boards. The hook end can also be used through the hive entrance when the bottom board configuration allows.
When is the best time to clean dead bees from a hive?
Post-winter and early-spring hive maintenance are especially useful times to clear accumulated dead bees and debris. The cleaner can also be used whenever bottom board cleaning is needed.
What is the BeeSmart Ultimate Bottom Board Cleaner made from?
According to BeeSmart, the tool is manufactured from tough technopolymer and features an ergonomic design with smooth edges for comfortable handling.
A Handy Addition to Your Beekeeping Tools
Whether you're maintaining your first beehive or managing multiple colonies, the BeeSmart Ultimate Bottom Board Cleaner offers a convenient way to remove dead bees and debris from your bottom boards. Its simple slide, sweep, and pull design makes hive cleanup easier without relying on improvised tools.
