Screened bottom boards function as a passive diagnostic interface between the colony and the beekeeper. While they provide essential physical ventilation, their primary technical role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to facilitate the isolation and quantification of falling Varroa mites, enabling precise data collection without requiring colony intrusion.
The Insight: A screened bottom board is not a treatment device in itself; it is a data generation tool. Its value lies in converting the natural mortality or grooming of mites into countable metrics, moving pest management from guesswork to an evidence-based discipline.
The Mechanics of Mite Monitoring
Isolating the Pest
The fundamental design of a screened bottom board utilizes a mesh specifically sized to allow debris and mites to fall through while keeping bees inside. In a solid-bottom hive, falling mites remain accessible to the colony or decompose among other debris. The screen physically removes these parasites from the bees' immediate environment.
The Necessity of the Sticky Board
To function as an IPM tool, the screen must be paired with a sticky board (or sticky insert). This device is placed beneath the screen to capture the falling mites.
Without the sticky board, the screen acts only as a waste disposal system. With the board, the screen becomes a filter that presents the mites for accurate counting and analysis.
Strategic Application in IPM Programs
Timing Chemical Treatments
The data derived from screened bottom boards is critical for determining the economic threshold for intervention. By monitoring the daily mite drop, you can gauge the severity of an infestation.
This prevents the preventative overuse of chemicals. Instead, you can time treatments effectively, applying them only when the mite population reaches a level that threatens colony health.
Identifying Genetic Resistance
For breeding programs, the screened bottom board is a primary instrument for selection. It allows breeders to identify mite-resistant traits within specific colonies.
High mite drops can sometimes indicate a colony that is actively grooming off parasites (hygienic behavior). By tracking these numbers, breeders can select queens that produce stock capable of managing mite loads naturally.
Environmental Control and Ventilation
Enhancing Airflow
Beyond pest management, the technical function of the screen extends to thermoregulation. The open design significantly increases the volume of fresh air circulating into the hive.
Managing Transport Stress
This increased ventilation is vital during the logistics of beekeeping. When moving hives over long distances or handling bees on warm days, the screen helps dissipate heat, preventing overheating and reducing stress on the colony.
Understanding the Limits
It Is a Monitor, Not a Trap
A common misconception is that the screen significantly reduces the total mite population on its own. While it removes falling mites, its primary technical function is monitoring, not elimination. It should be viewed as a sensor, not a cure.
Interpretation Required
The "natural drop" count provided by the screen is an index, not a total census. You must interpret this data based on the season and colony size to make accurate management decisions.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To maximize the utility of screened bottom boards, align their use with your specific management objectives:
- If your primary focus is genetic improvement: Use the mite drop data to identify and propagate colonies that demonstrate superior hygienic traits and natural resistance.
- If your primary focus is chemical management: Use the sticky board counts to establish precise treatment thresholds, ensuring you only medicate when necessary.
- If your primary focus is logistics and transport: Rely on the screen to maintain lower internal hive temperatures during moves or extreme heat events.
Data is the strongest tool in modern beekeeping; the screened bottom board is how you harvest it.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Technical Function | IPM Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh Screen | Passive debris & mite isolation | Facilitates data collection without hive intrusion |
| Sticky Board Insert | Captures falling Varroa mites | Enables accurate counting to establish treatment thresholds |
| Open Ventilation | Increases airflow & heat dissipation | Reduces transport stress and assists thermoregulation |
| Data Monitoring | Tracks natural mite drop rates | Identifies hygienic behavior and mite-resistant traits |
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References
- Ralph Büchler, J. Wilde. Standard methods for rearing and selection of <i>Apis mellifera</i> queens 2.0. DOI: 10.1080/00218839.2023.2295180
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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