A screened bottom board functions as a passive mechanical filter for your hive. By replacing a solid floor with specific mesh specifications, it allows Varroa mites that naturally detach from bees to fall out of the colony and onto the ground. This simple gravity-based system prevents parasites from crawling back up to re-infest the bees, providing a continuous, non-chemical method of suppressing the mite population.
The screened bottom board is a foundational tool for Integrated Pest Management (IPM); it acts as both a physical barrier to prevent mite re-attachment and a diagnostic window that allows for precise infestation monitoring without disrupting the hive.
The Mechanics of Passive Removal
Interrupting the Re-infestation Cycle
In a hive with a solid bottom, mites that fall off bees often land on the floor, crawl back up, and re-parasitize the colony.
Gravity as a Weapon
The screened bottom board utilizes a mesh floor that allows these fallen mites to drop through the hive and exit the living area entirely.
Elimination of the Parasite
Once the mites fall through the screen to the ground, they are unable to return to the cluster and subsequently die.
The Monitoring Advantage
Non-Invasive Data Collection
Management requires measurement, and screened boards often feature removable drawers or inserts.
Visualizing the Infestation
These drawers allow you to collect and count mites—natural falls or treatment drops—without opening the hive cover or disturbing the colony's internal temperature.
High-Contrast Assessment
Using a white surface (such as Formica or a sticky board) beneath the mesh provides high visual contrast against dark-colored mites.
The Sticky Board Method
By coating a monitoring board with vegetable oil or a similar viscous substance, you trap falling mites to prevent wind from blowing them away, ensuring an accurate count for your data records.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Not a Standalone Cure
While effective at reducing the overall parasite load, a screened bottom board is not a complete solution for Varroa control.
Suppression vs. Eradication
This hardware offers a mechanical reduction in population growth, but it generally cannot eliminate an established infestation on its own.
Requirement for Intervention
Data gathered from the bottom board should be used to determine when chemical or biological interventions are necessary, rather than relying on the screen as the sole defense.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To effectively manage Varroa mites, you must use the screened bottom board for both suppression and information gathering.
- If your primary focus is Passive Control: Leave the bottom drawer open or removed (depending on the model) to allow mites to fall through the mesh and die on the ground outside the hive.
- If your primary focus is Infestation Monitoring: Insert the sticky board or white tray for a set period (e.g., 24-72 hours) to capture fallen mites and calculate the daily drop rate.
By combining physical removal with accurate monitoring, you transform your bottom board from a simple floor into an active management tool.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Passive Mechanical Control | Diagnostic Monitoring Capability |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Gravity-based drop through mesh floor | Removable drawer/sticky board insert |
| Effect | Prevents mite re-attachment/infestation | Non-invasive mite counting & data collection |
| Outcome | Constant, non-chemical population suppression | Informed decision-making for IPM interventions |
| Requirement | Open mesh for mites to fall to ground | High-contrast tray (e.g., sticky board) |
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