Some advice please - SHB trap

[Wombat2]

I've been using my own version of a bottom board trap for SHB. Basically using a metal baking tray about 6" x 9" (being the smallest I could find) under a hole about the same size cut into the board and covered with a fine expanded metal mesh. It's been working great and catches lots of beetles however as it is place just inside the entrance it is also a very effective pollen trap and about a third of the oil in the tray is taken up with pollen - the pyramid it for a has come up out off the 1/2" deep oil. I'm concerned I'm depleting the hive of it pollen stores.

Should I put them in a different location in future? Middle or back of the hive?

With the existing ones would say a 2" or whatever 'bridge' across the middle of the hole help the bees negotiate the trap without loosing their load ?

[RHBee]

I'm having trouble seeing what you're describing. Some visual aids would be helpful.  This is what I'm building.

[drlonzo]

RHBee, those look pretty good.  How are you sealing the corners of the pan?

[RHBee]

RHBee, those look pretty good.  How are you sealing the corners of the pan?

dr, I use the same method for corners that is used for shower pans. It involves folding a "pig ear" in the corners. I use light aluminum flashing because it's easier to work with. You can google the method. I make my folds to the outside. Here are some pictures of what it looks like. These are representative.

[drlonzo]

RH ,  Pretty cool.  I've done those in the past with other projects.  No sealing needed with them at all.