Re: mesh floor in winter

>To assist in the control of varoa we placed wire mesh floors on both of the
>hives this year with a draw arrangement at the rear of each hive to remove
>and inspect hive rubbish.
>
>As in previous years at this we have now closed down the entrance gap on
>each hive to prevent intruders.
>
>It is understood that the majority of problems that occur within the hive
>during the winter are in fact caused by dampness and not necessarily
>coldness. Is this so ?
>
>Should we therfore remove the rear tray to allow ventilation (convection
>type) through the hive?
>
>Thanks in avance for your reply
>gs
>
    Apparently no one seems to know the answer.   We have kept ours in place
(up north) as the screened areas' odors may serve as  attractants to animals
(large and small) which might want warmth or food.  A skunk might be able to
pull off the screen   However, there is always a mildly moist area on the
bottom board after the winter and you might also want to just as well leave the
screened area clear to rid the hive of the excess moisture.   No real answer. 
If you are wintering in the north, leave it on, if down south take it off.