The primary function of sticky mats is to physically trap and immobilize adult Small Hive Beetles (SHB) directly within the beehive. By capturing these pests, the mats provide the necessary physical specimens required for laboratory testing. This collection process is the foundational step for accurately assessing infestation levels and maintaining rigorous biosecurity monitoring.
Effective SHB management relies on accurate data rather than guesswork. Sticky mats serve as the critical link between the hive and the laboratory, securing the physical evidence needed to confirm the presence and density of beetle populations.
The Role of Physical Sampling
Immobilization of Adult Beetles
The immediate mechanical function of a sticky mat is to arrest the movement of adult beetles inside the hive.
Once placed within the hive structure, the adhesive surface captures beetles as they navigate the colony. This immobilization prevents the beetles from evading detection during a visual inspection.
Facilitating Laboratory Testing
According to established protocols, visual identification in the field is often insufficient for comprehensive biosecurity.
Sticky mats allow for the preservation of physical specimens. These trapped beetles can be removed and transported to a laboratory, where definitive testing and analysis can take place.
Strategic Biosecurity Implications
Assessing Infestation Levels
The data derived from sticky mats moves a beekeeper from qualitative observation to quantitative assessment.
By counting the number of immobilized beetles over a set period, apiarists can gauge the severity of the infestation. This creates a baseline for determining whether a colony is facing a minor nuisance or a critical threat.
Foundation for Monitoring Programs
Sticky mats are not merely reactive tools; they are essential for proactive biosecurity monitoring.
Regular sampling creates a historical record of pest pressure within the apiary. This consistent monitoring is required to validate the health status of honeybee colonies and trigger early interventions when populations rise.
Understanding the Scope and Limitations
Monitoring vs. Eradication
It is critical to distinguish between a sampling tool and a control measure.
While sticky mats remove beetles from the hive, their primary designation is for monitoring and sampling, not total eradication. They are diagnostic instruments designed to inform your management strategy, rather than a standalone cure for a heavy infestation.
Dependency on Lab Verification
The utility of the sticky mat is maximized when paired with external analysis.
As the text notes, the mats provide specimens for laboratory testing. Relying solely on the count on the mat without the subsequent biological analysis may result in an incomplete picture of the biosecurity risks present in the apiary.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
If your primary focus is Pest Identification:
- Use sticky mats to secure physical specimens that can be sent to a lab for definitive confirmation of SHB presence.
If your primary focus is Infestation Management:
- Utilize the count of immobilized beetles to establish a baseline of pest density, allowing you to measure the effectiveness of subsequent control treatments.
If your primary focus is Routine Biosecurity:
- Implement sticky mats on a scheduled rotation to detect population spikes early, before they threaten colony collapse.
Accurate monitoring is the precursor to effective management; without the physical proof provided by sticky mats, you are managing your hives in the dark.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Primary Function | Biosecurity Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Immobilization | Physically traps adult beetles | Prevents evasion during hive inspections |
| Specimen Collection | Secures physical samples | Enables definitive laboratory-based testing |
| Quantitative Data | Measures infestation density | Establishes baselines for treatment timing |
| Proactive Monitoring | Tracks population trends | Provides early warning for potential hive collapse |
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References
- Dongmei Li, Mark J. Blacket. Molecular detection of small hive beetle Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae): DNA barcoding and development of a real-time PCR assay. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27603-x
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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