Screened bottom boards function as a mechanical control device within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, designed to physically separate parasites from the honeybee colony. By replacing a solid hive floor with a 1/8-inch mesh screen, these boards allow Varroa mites to fall out of the hive via gravity, effectively breaking their path and preventing them from crawling back up to re-parasitize the bees.
While their primary design intent is to lower Varroa mite loads without chemicals, screened bottom boards are equally vital for environmental regulation. They provide essential ventilation and humidity control that significantly aids honeybee survival rates, particularly during winter.
The Mechanical Principles of Pest Exclusion
Disruption of the Mite Lifecycle
The core function of the screened bottom board is physical separation.
Varroa mites naturally fall off bees during grooming or movement. On a solid bottom board, these mites can survive and crawl back onto a host bee to re-enter the brood.
Prevention of Re-Attachment
The screened board utilizes a mesh barrier to permanently remove these fallen mites.
Once a mite drops through the screen, it exits the hive environment completely. This creates a continuous, passive reduction in the overall parasite load without requiring active intervention from the beekeeper.
Targeting Secondary Pests
Many screened bottom boards are designed with a rail system underneath the mesh to accommodate trays.
These trays can be filled with oil to act as a trap for small hive beetles. Beetles attempting to hide or move along the bottom of the hive fall through the mesh and drown in the oil, adding another layer of pest defense.
Environmental Control and Colony Health
Managing Internal Humidity
Beyond pest control, screened bottom boards are critical for regulating the hive's microclimate.
Excess moisture is a leading cause of colony loss, particularly in colder months. The open design allows for superior airflow, preventing dangerous condensation buildup.
Enhancing Winter Survival
Contrary to the belief that hives must be sealed tight, airflow is essential for winter health.
Primary research indicates that the enhanced ventilation provided by these boards improves survival rates. By keeping the hive dry, the bees can maintain their cluster temperature more effectively without the stress of wet conditions.
Understanding the Trade-offs and Limitations
Reduction is Not Elimination
It is vital to understand that screened bottom boards are a reduction tool, not a cure.
While they effectively block fallen mites from returning, supplementary data suggests this method alone is not a "significant" control measure for high infestation levels. It should be viewed as one component of a broader IPM system, not a standalone solution.
The Utility of Monitoring
While the screen itself does not kill all mites, it turns the bottom board into a diagnostic tool.
The design facilitates the use of sticky boards or trays to count mite drop. This allows beekeepers to accurately estimate infestation levels and decide when stronger interventions, such as chemical treatments, are actually necessary.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When integrating screened bottom boards into your apiary, consider your specific management objectives:
- If your primary focus is Varroa Management: Use the board to passively lower the mite count, but pair it with regular testing to ensure infestation levels remain safe.
- If your primary focus is Pest Monitoring: Utilize the rail system and insertable trays to easily count mite drop without disturbing the colony.
- If your primary focus is Overwintering: Rely on the screen to ventilate moisture and reduce humidity, which is critical for preventing colony loss due to condensation.
By leveraging gravity and airflow, screened bottom boards provide a foundational layer of defense that supports both the hygiene and the respiratory health of the hive.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Primary Function | IPM Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8-inch Mesh | Physical separation of parasites | Prevents Varroa mites from re-entering the hive |
| Open Ventilation | Humidity and moisture regulation | Improves winter survival by preventing condensation |
| Rail System/Trays | Small Hive Beetle trapping | Secondary pest management using oil-filled traps |
| Diagnostic Access | Mite drop counting | Allows for accurate monitoring of infestation levels |
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References
- Evangelia Kagiali, Solenn Patalano. Four-Year Overview of Winter Colony Losses in Greece: Citizen Science Evidence That Transitioning to Organic Beekeeping Practices Reduces Colony Losses. DOI: 10.3390/insects14020193
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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