Sticky boards function as a diagnostic instrument rather than a direct treatment method, placed at the base of a beehive to physically capture and retain Varroa mites. By utilizing an adhesive surface beneath a mesh screen, they secure mites that fall naturally or are dislodged by treatments, providing the quantitative data necessary to calculate infestation levels without disrupting the colony.
While they physically trap parasites, the primary value of a sticky board is informational reliability. It transforms the invisible problem of mite infestation into visible, countable data, serving as the cornerstone for evidence-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
The Mechanics of Capture and Retention
To understand the technical function of a sticky board, one must look at how it physically isolates the parasite from the host.
Physical Separation via Mesh
The system typically relies on a screened bottom board equipped with a specific mesh size (often 3mm). This mesh allows falling mites to pass through while preventing honey bees from accessing the debris area.
Preventing Hygienic Interference
By physically separating the bees from the board, the system prevents worker bees from "cleaning" the board. This ensures that the mite count reflects the true drop rate, rather than what remains after bees have removed the waste.
Adhesive Security
The sticky coating (often a substance like vegetable oil) provides a necessary adhesive force. This secures dislodged mites against the hive's internal ventilation and air currents generated by bee activity.
Ensuring Sample Precision
Without this adhesive layer, mites could be blown away or lost to vibration. The sticky surface guarantees that all fallen mites remain fixed in the collection area for accurate counting.
The Role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Sticky boards are the primary tool for implementing IPM, a strategy that relies on thresholds rather than calendar-based treatments.
Non-Invasive Monitoring
Unlike other testing methods (such as alcohol washes), sticky boards do not require killing bees or opening the brood nest. They allow technicians to analyze population trends without consuming live bee samples.
Calculating Daily Averages
The core metric derived from this tool is the average daily mite drop. By recording the number of mites over a specific period and dividing by the number of days, managers obtain a standardized index of infestation.
Establishing Action Thresholds
This data allows beekeepers to scientifically determine if the infestation has reached a critical level. Decisions regarding chemical or biological interventions are made based on these specific counts rather than guesswork.
Evaluating Treatment Efficacy
Beyond routine monitoring, sticky boards are essential for validating the success of active control measures.
Quantifying "Knock-Down"
When a treatment is applied, the sticky board captures the resulting surge in falling mites. This provides immediate visual confirmation that the treatment agent is reaching the parasites.
Preventing Re-Infestation
The adhesive surface prevents stunned or dislodged mites from crawling back up into the hive structure. This ensures that mites affected by sub-lethal doses of a treatment are permanently removed from the colony.
Understanding the Trade-offs
While sticky boards are precise, they are passive tools that require correct interpretation.
Monitoring vs. Treatment
It is a common misconception to view the sticky board as the control method itself. While it traps fallen mites, it does not actively kill mites attached to bees; it is a monitoring device, not a standalone cure.
The Requirement of Consistency
Data accuracy depends on the duration of the drop count. A board left for too short a time may miss trends, while one left too long may become debris-laden, making counting difficult.
Mesh Dependencies
The system is only effective if the mesh screen is intact and properly sized (3mm). If the mesh is too large, bees will clean the board; if too small, mites will not fall through to the adhesive.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To maximize the utility of sticky boards, align your usage with your specific management objective.
- If your primary focus is Routine Assessment: Calculate the natural daily drop rate over a 3-day period to determine if you have reached the threshold for intervention.
- If your primary focus is Treatment Validation: Insert the board immediately upon applying a chemical control to quantify the mite fall rate, ensuring the treatment is actively dislodging parasites.
By using sticky boards to convert biological activity into hard data, you move your operation from reactive guessing to proactive, precision management.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Technical Function | Value to Beekeeping Operations |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive Surface | Secures fallen mites against wind/vibration | Ensures high sample precision for counting |
| Mesh Screen (3mm) | Physical separation of bees and debris | Prevents hygienic cleaning for accurate data |
| Passive Monitoring | Captures natural and treatment-induced drop | Non-invasive assessment of infestation levels |
| Data Output | Calculates average daily mite drop | Enables evidence-based IPM action thresholds |
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References
- Naomie Bleau, Pierre Giovenazzo. Commercial probiotic formulas Bactocell and Levucell promote spring brood production in <i>Apis mellifera</i> L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies. DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iead099
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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