Sticky boards and mite screens function as an integrated filtration and capture system installed at the very bottom of a beehive. The mite screen acts as a selective physical barrier, supporting the colony while allowing smaller parasites to fall through the mesh. Beneath this barrier, the sticky board utilizes an adhesive coating to trap these falling mites, preserving them in a fixed position for accurate counting and preventing the bees from removing the evidence.
By physically separating fallen debris from the bees' hygienic activities, this system provides a standardized environment for data collection. It transforms the natural or treatment-induced drop of mites into a quantifiable metric, enabling beekeepers to assess colony health based on hard evidence rather than visual estimates.
The Mechanics of the Monitoring System
The Function of the Mite Screen
The mite screen serves as the primary filter for the system. It is a mesh barrier that creates a physical separation between the active colony and the monitoring floor.
Crucially, the mesh size allows debris and parasites, such as Varroa mites, to pass through freely. However, it prevents the bees themselves from accessing the bottom board, ensuring they cannot groom away or mechanically remove the fallen mites before inspection.
The Role of the Sticky Board
Positioned directly underneath the screen, the sticky board acts as the data recorder. It is a flat sheet treated with a specific adhesive coating designed to capture anything that lands on it.
Once a mite passes through the screen and hits the board, it is fixed in place. This creates a static, clear area where beekeepers can perform a visual inventory of the parasite load without the variables of wind, insect activity, or debris shifting.
How They Work in Unison
Neither component works effectively without the other. Without the screen, the bees' natural hygienic behavior would lead them to clean the board, destroying the data.
Without the sticky board, fallen mites might crawl away or be blown out of the hive. Together, they form a standardized sampling system that ensures every counted mite represents a valid data point regarding the colony's infestation level.
From Observation to Intervention
Enabling Quantitative Assessment
The primary purpose of combining these tools is to move from qualitative observation ("I see mites") to quantitative assessment ("I have a count of X").
This system allows for the precise calculation of parasitic mite loads. By counting the mites trapped over a specific period (typically 24 to 72 hours), a beekeeper can extrapolate the severity of the infestation within the colony.
Informing Chemical Interventions
Accurate monitoring is the foundation of sustainable pest management. By establishing a clear count of the infestation, beekeepers can make data-driven decisions regarding treatments.
This prevents the use of unnecessary medication, which protects the quality of honey and preserves the colony's pollination capacity. Chemical interventions are reserved only for times when the mite load exceeds a specific danger threshold.
Understanding the Limitations
Indirect Measurement
While this system is excellent for monitoring trends, it measures the "mite drop" (fallen mites), not the total population directly.
High activity on the board generally correlates with high infestation, but factors like colony size and brood rearing phases can influence how many mites fall naturally.
The Necessity of Regularity
A single reading from a sticky board provides limited value. This system is designed for continuous or repeated monitoring.
To be effective, the sticky board must be checked and cleaned or replaced regularly. If left too long, debris accumulation can obscure the mites, rendering the count inaccurate.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To effectively utilize sticky boards and mite screens in your apiary management, consider your specific objectives:
- If your primary focus is establishing a baseline: Install the system for a set period (e.g., 3 days) to determine the natural daily mite drop before applying any treatments.
- If your primary focus is reducing chemical use: Use the count data to strictly adhere to treatment thresholds, applying miticides only when the numbers indicate a threat to colony viability.
- If your primary focus is validating treatment success: Re-insert the sticky board immediately after a chemical application to verify that the mite drop increases, confirming the treatment is working.
By systematically counting what falls through the screen, you convert a hidden parasitic threat into a visible, manageable number.
Summary Table:
| Component | Primary Function | Role in Monitoring |
|---|---|---|
| Mite Screen | Physical Barrier | Allows mites to fall through while preventing bees from cleaning them away. |
| Sticky Board | Data Capture | Uses adhesive to fix fallen mites in place for accurate, quantifiable counting. |
| Integrated System | Filtration & Recording | Converts natural mite drop into hard data for informed treatment decisions. |
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References
- Thomas D. Seeley. The effect of drone comb on a honey bee colony'sproduction of honey. DOI: 10.1051/apido:2001008
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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