The Small Hive Beetle Oil Pan Trap solves a specific problem: a screened bottom board creates a gap under the hive, and without something to fill it, that gap doesn't do much for pest management. This tray fills that gap. It slides into the lower rail under the screen, sealing completely so bees can't reach the oil from above. Small hive beetles and varroa mites that fall through the screen during grooming or hive activity drop into the oil and can't climb out. Check the tray weekly, strain out the debris, and the oil can be reused all season.

We designed this tray ourselves specifically to fit our screened bottom boards. The fit is intentional — the tray seals against the bottom board rail so there's no gap where bees could access the pan from the sides. That redesign matters: older designs left gaps that bees could enter from the front, which created its own problems. This tray is not compatible with FBC bottom boards made in 2020 or earlier, and we can't guarantee it will fit other suppliers' bottom boards. If you're using a bottom board from another supplier, verify compatibility before ordering.

You can fill the tray with vegetable oil (standard choice), diatomaceous earth, or soapy water — each works, though vegetable oil is what we use and recommend. About ¼ inch depth in the tray is all you need. The oversized handle lets you slide the tray out, check the catch, and slide it back without removing gloves.

Key Features

• Slides under FBC screened bottom boards — fills the lower rail gap and seals so bees can't access the oil from above.
• Catches beetles AND varroa mites — anything that falls through the screen drops into the oil and drowns.
• FBC-designed fit — specifically engineered for FBC screened bottom boards made after 2020. Not universally compatible with other suppliers' boards.
• Heavyweight rigid plastic — durable, low-profile, and holds its shape season after season.
• Oversized handle — check and remove the tray with or without gloves.
• Reusable oil fill — strain debris and reuse the oil all season. Replace at the end of the season or when oil becomes too contaminated.
• Three sizes — 10-frame, 8-frame, and 5-frame to match your hive configuration.

How to Use It

Pour about ¼ inch of vegetable oil into the tray. Slide the tray into the lower rail under the screened bottom board until it fully seals. Leave a few inches extended while pouring, then slide fully in to seal. Check weekly — strain out any debris, and the oil is reusable. The trap works year-round but is most effective spring through summer when beetle pressure peaks (August is the high point in most of the Southeast).

Compatibility

This tray works with 10-Frame Cypress Screened Bottom Boards, 8-Frame Cypress Screened Bottom Boards, and 5-Frame Cypress Screened Bottom Boards — all made after 2020. FBC bottom boards from 2020 and earlier are not compatible. Other suppliers' bottom boards are not guaranteed compatible.

Product Details

Related Reading

• Parts of a Beehive: The Basic Components
• Small Hive Beetle Trap Baits: Old and New

You May Also Need

• 10-Frame Cypress Screened Bottom Board
• 8-Frame Cypress Screened Bottom Board
• 5-Frame Cypress Screened Bottom Board

Browse More

• Small Hive Beetle Control