The primary function of a screened bottom board is to facilitate the non-invasive, passive collection of hive debris and parasites. It acts as a specialized filtration interface, utilizing a mesh barrier that allows smaller particles—specifically naturally fallen Varroa mites—to drop through while keeping the honeybees safely inside the hive structure.
By enabling the collection of parasite samples without requiring the hive to be opened, this tool allows beekeepers to monitor colony health during sensitive periods, such as winter, without disturbing the bees' thermal regulation.
The Mechanics of Passive Collection
The Selective Mesh Barrier
The core component of this system is a wire mesh floor. The gauge of this mesh is critical; it is large enough to allow parasites and debris to pass through freely under the influence of gravity.
However, the mesh is small enough to act as a physical floor for the colony. This ensures that while waste drops out, the honeybees themselves cannot pass through, effectively separating the colony from the waste material.
The Collection Tray
Beneath the mesh sits a collection tray or board. This component captures the fallen matter, preserving the "data" of the hive.
Because the mites fall through the screen onto this tray, they are removed from the immediate environment of the bees. This allows the beekeeper to slide the tray out, count the mites, and analyze the level of infestation without ever exposing the bees to the outside elements.
Strategic Value: Minimizing Disturbance
Protecting Overwintering Colonies
The most significant advantage of this function is realized during the winter months. During this time, breaking the propolis seal and opening the hive can be detrimental to the colony's survival.
The screened bottom board circumvents this risk. It allows for continuous monitoring of parasite loads during cold weather without human disturbance.
Preserving the Thermal Cluster
Bees maintain a specific temperature within their winter cluster to survive. Traditional inspection methods disrupt this thermal balance.
By utilizing the passive collection method, the beekeeper can assess the presence of mites without causing thermal shock to the colony or forcing the bees to expend precious energy reheating the hive.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Reliance on Natural Drop
It is important to understand that this is a passive system. It relies entirely on the natural rate at which mites die or fall off the bees.
It does not actively strip parasites from the bees. Therefore, the data collected is a reflection of the "natural drop" rate, which requires interpretation, rather than a direct count of the total parasite population on the bees themselves.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To effectively utilize a screened bottom board, align its use with your specific monitoring objectives.
- If your primary focus is Winter Monitoring: Rely on the screened board to track mite trends without breaking the hive seal or disturbing the cluster's heat.
- If your primary focus is Colony Safety: Use this passive method to reduce stress on the bees, ensuring that parasite analysis does not come at the cost of colony disruption.
Ultimately, the screened bottom board serves as a diagnostic window, providing critical data on parasite loads while keeping the colony secure and undisturbed.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Function & Purpose | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Selective Mesh Barrier | Filters debris and parasites while retaining bees | Separates colony from waste material |
| Collection Tray | Captures fallen mites for analysis | Enables counting without opening the hive |
| Passive Collection | Relies on natural mite drop | Minimizes bee stress and human disturbance |
| Thermal Preservation | Maintains hive seal during inspections | Protects overwintering clusters from cold shock |
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References
- Jozef Oboňa, Sabo Rastislav. Honey bees metapopulations, parasites, and landscape - search for possible relationships: case study Slovakia. DOI: 10.17161/eurojecol.v8i1.15428
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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