Double-screen (Snelgrove) boards are powerful for hive splits, swarm control, and requeening, but certain errors can reduce their effectiveness or harm colonies.
The following are frequent pitfalls to watch for:
1. Mistakes with Entrances and Timing
- Forgetting to open or close entrances at the correct time:
Snelgrove methods especially require timely entrance management. Opening the wrong entrance too soon or leaving it closed can result in bees not reorienting as intended, failed splits, or even swarming[1][2]. - Not orienting entrances in opposite directions:
If entrances for upper and lower colonies are aligned, bees may become confused and drift between colonies, causing imbalances[2].
2. Queen, Brood, and Colony Management Errors
- Failing to confirm queen location:
Always be certain which box contains the queen—leaving queen cells in both boxes or splitting with two queens can lead to queen loss or uncontrolled swarming[1]. - Leaving queen cells in the wrong box:
Not removing all queen cells from the bottom colony during splits can result in new queens hatching and causing the original colony to swarm[1]. - Moving the upper split too early:
If the upper split (nuc) is moved before it’s strong enough, or while nights are still cold, the lack of heat from below can chill brood and risk colony loss[3]. - Removing the upstairs nuc to the same apiary:
Foragers will return to the original hive location, leaving the moved split weak and at risk of decline[3].
3. Improper Screen or Board Setup
- Using the wrong type of board or a poor seal:
Gaps, misaligned screens, or using a single-screen instead of a true double-screen can allow bees or queens to bypass the separation, negating the benefits and risking fights or queen loss[4][2]. - Insufficient bee space or poor ventilation:
Boards without enough spacing between screens, or with inadequate ventilation, may cause overheating or crowding, particularly in warm months[5].
4. Neglecting Food and Resource Management
- Overlooking the upper colony’s food needs:
The split or queenless side above the board may quickly exhaust its food. Bees on the top bars and signs of dwindling indicate a need to feed (fondant, sugar, or syrup)[2]. - Not supplementing weakened or small splits:
Weak colonies above the board depend on extra warmth and resources for survival. Not monitoring can lead to chilled brood and colony collapse[3].
5. Misapplication or Combining Multiple Methods Unnecessarily
- Mixing too many requeening or uniting techniques:
For example, combining double-screen use with newspaper combines or unnecessary queen cages creates complexity and confusion—stick to one technique as intended for clarity and safety[2].
Common Pitfalls and Correctives Table
| Mistake | Effect | How to Avoid |
| Mistiming entrances | Weak splits, drifting, swarms | Use calendar, follow method strictly |
| Not checking queen location | Swarming, queen loss | Inspect frames, isolate queen clearly |
| Removing split too soon or in wrong season | Chilled brood, colony loss | Wait for strength, check temperatures |
| Inadequate feeding (top box) | Starvation, weakness | Add food and monitor regularly |
| Using a leaky/poorly built board | Queen loss, bee fights | Ensure bee-proof screens and fit |
| Misaligned entrances | Bee drift, weak splits | Orient entrances in different directions |
By avoiding these common mistakes, beekeepers can maximize the versatility and safety that double-screen boards offer for advanced hive management[3][1][2].
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- https://tribesbeekeepersassociation.com/what-is-the-snelgrove-swarm-control-method/
- https://www.honeybeesuite.com/uses-of-a-double-screen-board/
- https://duckriverhoney.com/blog/double-screen-board-pros-cons/
- https://beemaster.com/forum/index.php?topic=50608.0
- https://beeculture.com/build-a-double-screen-board-snellgrove/
