Sticky boards serve as a diagnostic tool designed to capture and quantify Varroa destructor mites falling from a honeybee colony. Placed beneath a screened bottom board, these adhesive sheets trap mites that have naturally dislodged or been groomed off by bees, preventing the parasites from crawling back into the hive or being removed by the colony.
Sticky boards allow beekeepers to measure the "natural mite drop" over a specific period, typically 24 hours. While they confirm the presence of infestation, they provide data on seasonal population trends rather than a precise count of the total mite load.
The Mechanics of Monitoring
Capturing Natural Mite Drop
The primary function of a sticky board is to intercept mites as they fall from the bees above.
This phenomenon, known as natural mite drop, occurs when mites die, lose their grip, or are physically bitten loose by bees during grooming.
The Role of Screened Bottom Boards
Sticky boards are almost always used in conjunction with a screened bottom board.
The screen acts as a filter, allowing small debris and mites to fall through while keeping the bees separated from the adhesive surface below.
Without this separation, bees would likely become stuck to the board or attempt to clean the debris, distorting the data.
Preventing Re-infestation
Once a mite falls through the screen, the adhesive surface ensures it remains trapped.
This mechanism is critical because mites are mobile; without the sticky surface, a live mite could simply crawl back up into the colony to find a new host.
By securing the fallen mites, the board preserves the evidence for the beekeeper to count and analyze later.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Proof of Presence vs. Accurate Census
It is vital to understand that sticky board counts are proxies for infestation, not absolute population counts.
As noted in technical assessments, this method primarily serves as proof of infestation and a gauge for seasonal trends.
A high drop count indicates a problem, but a low drop count does not guarantee the hive is mite-free, as drop rates can vary based on bee grooming behavior.
Standardization Limitations
Comparing sticky board counts between different hives can be difficult due to variables in colony strength and grooming genetics.
For a precise, standardized calculation of infestation rates (e.g., mites per 100 bees), volumetric sampling serves as a more accurate alternative.
Techniques that wash a specific volume of bees provide a mathematical basis for treatment thresholds that sticky boards cannot offer.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To manage your colonies effectively, select the tool that aligns with your specific data needs.
- If your primary focus is tracking seasonal trends: Use sticky boards to monitor natural drops over time without opening or disrupting the hive.
- If your primary focus is precise treatment decisions: Rely on volumetric sampling to obtain a standardized infestation percentage.
By combining trend data from sticky boards with precise spot-checks, you can build a comprehensive picture of your apiary's health.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Sticky Board Monitoring | Volumetric Sampling (Alcohol Wash) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Monitor seasonal population trends | Determine precise treatment thresholds |
| Data Type | Natural mite drop count (e.g., 24-hour drop) | Infestation percentage (mites per 100 bees) |
| Hive Impact | Non-invasive; no need to open the hive | Invasive; requires sampling live bees |
| Main Benefit | Easy proof of presence and long-term tracking | High accuracy for immediate decision-making |
| Equipment | Sticky board + Screened bottom board | Wash jar + Sampling solution |
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References
- Maxcy P. Nolan, Keith S. Delaplane. Distance between honey bee Apis mellifera colonies regulates populations of Varroa destructor at a landscape scale. DOI: 10.1007/s13592-016-0443-9
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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