At its core, wire mesh helps control varroa mites through simple physics. During routine grooming and movement within the hive, varroa mites naturally fall off their honeybee hosts. A wire mesh floor, often called a screened bottom board, allows these dislodged mites to fall completely out of the hive, where they cannot climb back up to re-infest other bees.
A screened bottom board is not a standalone cure for varroa mites. Instead, it serves as a critical dual-purpose tool: providing passive, non-chemical mite reduction while acting as an essential data source for monitoring infestation levels.
The Mechanics of a Screened Bottom Board
A screened bottom board replaces the traditional solid wood bottom of a beehive. Its design is simple but leverages the natural behavior of both bees and mites to improve hive health.
The "Mite Drop" Phenomenon
Mites do not permanently attach to adult bees. They periodically fall off. This natural "mite drop" occurs constantly within a colony.
Creating a One-Way Exit
The wire mesh has openings large enough for a tiny varroa mite to fall through easily. However, the mesh is too small for a honeybee to pass, keeping the colony secure.
Breaking the Re-infestation Cycle
Without a screen, fallen mites land on the solid hive floor and can easily climb back onto a passing bee, continuing their lifecycle. By allowing them to fall to the ground, the mesh permanently removes those specific mites from the hive's population.
Improving Hive Ventilation
As a secondary benefit, a screened bottom board dramatically improves air circulation. This helps reduce excess moisture in the hive, which can lower the risk of fungal diseases like chalkbrood and create a healthier overall environment.
Why a Screened Bottom is a Monitoring Tool First
While the passive mite reduction is beneficial, the primary value of a screened bottom board is in the data it provides. It allows a beekeeper to see what is happening inside the hive without disturbing the colony.
The Role of the "Sticky Board"
To accurately count the fallen mites, a white, gridded board coated with a non-toxic sticky substance (like cooking oil or petroleum jelly) is slid underneath the screen. This is known as a "sticky board" or "mite board."
Performing a Mite Count
The sticky board catches and holds any mites that fall through the mesh. After a set period, typically 24 to 72 hours, the beekeeper removes the board and counts the mites to calculate an average daily mite drop.
Informing Treatment Decisions
This mite count is crucial data. It allows a beekeeper to track infestation levels over time and determine if they have crossed an established "treatment threshold," indicating that a more active intervention is required to save the colony.
Understanding the Trade-offs and Limitations
A screened bottom board is an excellent tool, but it is not without its limitations. Understanding these trade-offs is key to using it effectively.
It Is a Passive, Not an Active, Solution
A screened bottom board only deals with mites that happen to fall off adult bees. It has zero effect on the vast majority of mites, which are reproducing within the capped brood cells of the hive.
Reduced Effectiveness in Colder Climates
An open mesh floor can create a significant draft in winter. In cold climates, this makes it much harder for the bees to maintain their crucial cluster temperature, potentially leading to the death of the colony. Most beekeepers in these regions insert a solid board to close the screen during winter.
Potential Vulnerability in Weak Colonies
For a weak or small colony, a fully open bottom can sometimes make it harder to defend the entrance from robbing bees or other pests like yellow jackets.
Making the Right Choice for Your Apiary
Integrating a screened bottom board is a strategic decision that should align with your beekeeping goals and local climate.
- If your primary focus is non-chemical mite reduction: Use a screened bottom board as one part of a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan, but do not rely on it as your only control method.
- If your primary focus is accurate mite monitoring: Consistently use a sticky board to perform regular mite drop counts, allowing the data to guide your treatment schedule and prevent unnecessary chemical use.
- If your primary focus is winter survival in a cold climate: Use a screened bottom board during the active seasons for its benefits, but be prepared to close it off with a solid insert before the first frost.
Using a screened bottom board transforms your hive from a black box into a data source, empowering you to manage varroa mites proactively.
Summary Table:
| Function | Key Benefit | Important Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Passive Mite Removal | Creates a one-way exit for fallen mites, breaking the re-infestation cycle. | Only affects mites that fall off adult bees; ineffective against mites in brood cells. |
| Hive Health Monitoring | Enables accurate mite counts with a sticky board to inform treatment decisions. | Requires consistent monitoring to be effective. |
| Improved Ventilation | Reduces hive moisture, lowering risk of fungal diseases. | Can create drafts; may require a solid insert for winter in cold climates. |
Equip Your Apiary with Professional-Grade Tools from HONESTBEE
For commercial apiaries and equipment distributors, managing varroa mites is a constant challenge that impacts honey production and colony health. A screened bottom board is a foundational component of an effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy.
At HONESTBEE, we supply the durable, well-designed beekeeping supplies you need to monitor and protect your investments. Our wholesale-focused operations ensure you get reliable equipment at competitive prices.
Ready to make data-driven decisions for healthier hives? Contact our team today to discuss your commercial or wholesale needs and discover how our products can support your operation's success.
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