Slatted Rack

The slatted rack has an interesting and long history.  Placed between the lower hive body and the bottom board, it provides several benefits:  It creates an additional protective space below the lower hive body, that encourages the queen to lay eggs lower down the frame.  Additionally, it reduces swarminng by increasing available space in the hive.  Further, it creates an air cushion that reduces draft while allowing air flow.  For beekeepers using screened bottom boards for mite management, we have oriented the slats in parallel with the frames.