Double screen (Snelgrove) boards come in several styles, each tailored to specific management techniques and beekeeper preferences.
While all share the core function—separating two colony units while allowing heat and limited pheromone transfer—there are notable design variations to consider.
Key Differences in Double Screen Board Designs
1. Number and Placement of Entrances
- Standard Boards:
Typically have a single entrance, often on one end or side. Simpler versions may only allow access to the upper colony from a single entrance. - Snelgrove (Original/Full) Boards:
Feature multiple pairs of doors—usually 6 or 8 entrances (3–4 pairs of upper/lower doors) around the board’s rim. These can be individually opened or closed to precisely control bee movement and for advanced manipulations such as swarm control[1][2][3]. - Modified/Simplified Boards:
Some designs omit multiple entrances in favor of one or two for simplicity, especially for beekeepers who do not need the full range of Snelgrove manipulations[1].
2. Screened Area and Construction Techniques
- Full-Coverage Screens:
Many boards have screens covering the entire internal area, allowing for robust ventilation and easier construction of entrances. - Central Screened Hole:
Other styles use a single large central hole (or occasionally more than one) covered with mesh, with wood around the rim, sometimes chosen for easier build or maintenance[1][2]. - Coverage Method:
Some versions secure screens with lath strips for added durability, while others have screens running edge-to-edge for seamless coverage.
3. Bee Space and Rim Thickness
- Boards may have different rim thicknesses (commonly 3/4–1.25in), creating various bee spaces above and below the board.
- Some boards are designed with slightly more bee space on the upper side to aid upper colony ventilation.
4. Extra Features and Customizations
- Closures and Door Styles:
Snelgrove boards may have pivoted closure pieces or removable wedges for entrances, depending on the preference for ease of use or tradition[4][3]. - Materials and Weatherproofing:
Commercial boards are often made of plywood (HDO, Advantech) or pine and may feature treated or painted edges for durability in outdoor conditions[5]. - Size Compatibility:
Boards are available for different hive sizes such as 8-frame or 10-frame, sometimes color-coded for field identification[6][7].
5. Intended Use Cases
| Design Type | Typical Entrances | Best For | Notable Features |
| Standard double board | 1 entrance | Basic splits, simple queen introduction | Simple, affordable, easy to build |
| Full Snelgrove board | 6–8 (multiple pairs) | Swarm control, complex manipulations | Maximum flexibility, advanced use |
| Modified version | 1–2 entrances | Overwintering, boosting splits | Streamlined, DIY-focused design |
| Heavy-duty/custom | Varies | Commercial, frequent/rough handling | Durable materials, weatherproofing |
Summary
The main differences between double screen board designs revolve around the number and placement of entrances, the screened area and construction approach, bee-space adjustments, and various extra features tailored to usage scenarios like swarm prevention or overwintering. Snelgrove-style boards with multiple entrances offer the most flexibility, while simpler boards may suffice for straightforward splits or requeening tasks[1][2][3][4].
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- https://beeculture.com/build-a-double-screen-board-snellgrove/
- https://www.honeybeesuite.com/uses-of-a-double-screen-board/
- https://wbka.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/a018themanyusesofasnelgroveboard.pdf
- http://www.dave-cushman.net/bee/snelgroveboard.html
- https://www.naturesimagefarm.com/products/untitled-aug26_10-23
- https://backyardfarm.com/snelgrove-double-screen
- https://www.perfectbee.com/store/hive-components/entrance-reducers-and-guards/double-screen-board
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