Screened bottom boards and sticky counting boards function together as a precise filtration and retention system. The screened bottom board acts as a physical barrier that allows paralyzed or dead Varroa mites to fall out of the colony while preventing honeybees from removing the "evidence" through hygienic grooming. The sticky counting board, placed beneath this mesh, captures and secures these falling mites, allowing researchers to accurately quantify the killing power of an acaricide treatment over time.
By separating the falling mites from the bees' cleaning activities, this setup converts a biological process into verifiable data, allowing you to dynamically measure exactly when and how effectively a chemical treatment is working.
The Mechanics of Separation and Capture
The Function of the Screened Bottom Board
The primary role of the screened bottom board is selective filtration. It replaces the solid floor of a hive with a mesh large enough for mites to pass through but too small for bees to exit.
Utilizing Gravity and Paralysis
Acaricides (mite treatments) generally work by paralyzing or killing the mites attached to the bees. Once affected, the mites lose their grip and fall due to gravity.
Preventing Hygienic Interference
Without a screen, bees would naturally identify dead mites as debris and carry them out of the hive. The screen ensures these mites fall out of the bees' reach immediately, preventing the colony from altering the mortality data.
The Role of the Sticky Counting Board
Placed directly beneath the screen, the sticky counting board acts as the data recorder. It is coated with a sticky substance that traps the mites as soon as they land.
Securing the Sample
Because the board is sticky, it prevents the mites from blowing away or crawling off if they are only paralyzed. This "freezes" the data in place until a researcher or beekeeper performs an inspection.
Measuring Acaricide Efficacy
Dynamic Evaluation
This system does not just provide a single snapshot; it allows for dynamic monitoring. By checking the boards periodically (e.g., daily or weekly), you can track the rate of mite fall over the duration of the treatment.
Direct Verification of Kill Rates
This setup provides the most direct evidence that a treatment is working. A high number of mites on the board immediately following treatment application confirms the chemical is actively killing the target pest.
Monitoring Population Density
Beyond just testing drugs, this combination serves as a general pest management tool. It helps establish baseline infestation levels before treatment and verifies low levels after treatment.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Natural Drop vs. Induced Drop
It is critical to understand that some mites fall naturally (natural drop) without treatment. When evaluating an acaricide, you must distinguish between this background rate and the spike caused by the chemical.
Labor Intensity
Using sticky boards for precise evaluation requires manual counting. In highly infested hives, counting hundreds or thousands of mites on a sticky grid can be extremely time-consuming and prone to human error.
The "False Negative" Risk
A low mite count on the board could mean the treatment is ineffective, or it could simply mean the hive had very few mites to begin with. You must interpret board data in the context of the total estimated mite population.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To effectively use this system, align your inspection frequency with your objectives:
- If your primary focus is Scientific Verification: Check and replace sticky boards daily to graph the precise "kill curve" of the acaricide over time.
- If your primary focus is Treatment Confirmation: Check the board 24-48 hours after applying the treatment to confirm a significant mite drop, ensuring the chemicals are active.
Reliable data requires that you trap the evidence before the bees can hide it; this dual-component system is the standard for ensuring that happens.
Summary Table:
| Component | Primary Function | Role in Data Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Screened Bottom Board | Selective Filtration | Prevents bees from removing dead mites; allows mites to fall through. |
| Sticky Counting Board | Data Retention | Traps falling mites in place to prevent loss from wind or movement. |
| Acaricide Treatment | Induced Mortality | Paralyzes or kills mites, triggering the gravitational drop for counting. |
| Periodic Inspection | Dynamic Monitoring | Tracks the 'kill curve' to verify treatment speed and overall efficacy. |
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References
- Soniya Dawdani, Erika Plettner. Effects of dialkoxybenzenes against Varroa destructor and identification of 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene as a promising acaricide candidate. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38187-6
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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