Combining a screened bottom board with a sticky board provides a passive, non-invasive method to assess the Varroa mite population within a honeybee colony. The screened bottom allows mites that naturally fall off bees to drop through a mesh floor, preventing them from crawling back up, while the sticky board beneath captures these fallen mites for quantification.
Core Takeaway This method is primarily a diagnostic tool rather than a treatment. By calculating the "natural mite drop" over a set period, you transform a biological function—bees grooming off parasites—into actionable data that determines if and when chemical intervention is necessary.
The Mechanics of Passive Collection
The Function of the Screen
The screened bottom board replaces the traditional solid wood floor of a hive with a metal or plastic mesh.
The mesh size is critical; it is large enough to allow debris and mites to fall through but small enough to support the colony.
As bees groom themselves or mites accidentally lose their grip, the parasites fall through this screen. Because the mites cannot fly or climb back through the mesh, they are permanently removed from the cluster.
The Role of the Sticky Board
The sticky board acts as the data recorder for the hive.
It is typically a stiff piece of paper or plastic coated with a household adhesive, such as cooking spray or petroleum jelly.
Placed directly underneath the screen, this board traps every mite that falls through. Without the adhesive, wind or scavengers (like ants) could remove the mites, rendering the count inaccurate.
Executing the Monitoring Protocol
Duration of the Test
To get a reliable data point, you should not rely on a single 24-hour window, as mite fall can vary day to day.
According to standard protocols, the sticky board should be left in place for three days.
This duration smooths out daily anomalies and provides a more accurate representation of the colony's status.
Calculating the Daily Average
Once the three-day period is up, remove the board and count the total number of Varroa mites adhered to the surface.
Divide this total number by three to determine the average daily mite drop.
This specific number is the metric used to compare against infestation thresholds.
Translating Data into Decisions
Estimating Total Infestation
The daily mite drop is a sample that represents a larger reality inside the hive.
While the exact ratio can vary based on the season and colony size, counting natural mite fall allows for a quantitative estimate of the total colony infestation.
Technicians often apply a specific coefficient—multiplying the daily drop by 20 to 40—to estimate the total mite population on the bees and in the brood.
Timing Interventions
This monitoring method moves beekeeping from "calendar-based" treatments to "evidence-based" treatments.
By establishing a baseline of infestation pressure, you can identify the precise moment a colony exceeds a safety threshold.
This ensures that medication is used only when necessary, preventing overuse of chemicals and reducing stress on the colony.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Reduction vs. Elimination
While screened bottom boards do provide a continuous reduction in mite populations, they are not a cure.
Research indicates this mechanical removal accounts for a reduction of approximately 13% to 21%.
This is helpful for slowing growth, but it is rarely sufficient to control a heavy infestation without additional treatment.
Accuracy Variables
Natural mite fall is an indirect measurement.
It assumes a consistent relationship between the number of mites falling and the number of mites on the bees.
Factors such as the colony's specific grooming behavior (hygienic genetics) can inflate the drop count, potentially making the infestation look worse than it is.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
This setup is versatile, serving both as a minor control measure and a major diagnostic tool.
- If your primary focus is routine monitoring: Calculate the average daily drop every few weeks to spot upward trends before they become critical.
- If your primary focus is treatment efficacy: Use the sticky board immediately after applying a chemical treatment to verify that the mite drop increases significantly (indicating the treatment is working).
Consistent monitoring transforms the hidden threat of Varroa mites into a visible, manageable metric.
Summary Table:
| Component | Primary Function | Duration/Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Screened Bottom Board | Passive removal; allows mites to fall through mesh while preventing re-entry. | Continuous operation |
| Sticky Board | Captures fallen mites using adhesive (e.g., petroleum jelly) for counting. | 3-day test period |
| Daily Average | Total mite count divided by days; used to compare against safety thresholds. | Count / 3 Days |
| Control Efficacy | Mechanical reduction of mite population (supplemental to treatment). | 13% - 21% reduction |
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