Screened Bottom Boards (SBBs) function as a passive mechanical control device designed to permanently isolate fallen mites from the hive ecosystem. By replacing the traditional solid wooden floor with a specific mesh grid, this hardware capitalizes on the natural tendency of Varroa mites to dislodge from their hosts, ensuring they drop completely out of the colony rather than crawling back up to re-infest the bees.
The Screened Bottom Board acts as a continuous, non-chemical filter for your hive. By physically separating fallen mites from the bees, it typically reduces the overall parasite population by 13% to 21%, serving as a foundational support layer rather than a standalone cure.
The Mechanism of Passive Removal
Exploiting Gravity and Grooming
In a beehive, Varroa mites frequently detach from honey bees. This occurs either accidentally as the mites move or intentionally through the bees' grooming behaviors.
On a traditional solid floor, a fallen mite can easily survive, orient itself, and latch onto a passing bee to re-enter the brood nest.
The One-Way Exit
Screened Bottom Boards interrupt this cycle using specific mesh specifications. The mesh openings are large enough to allow mites to pass through but small enough for bees to walk on comfortably.
When a mite drops, it falls through the screen and exits the living area of the colony. Once the mite has passed through the mesh—either onto the ground or a collection tray—it is physically unable to climb back up to the bees, effectively removing it from the population permanently.
Integrating Mechanical Control
Continuous Suppression
Unlike chemical treatments that are applied for a specific duration, an SBB provides continuous suppression. As long as the hardware is installed, it works 24/7 to lower the parasite load.
This creates a baseline of physical control that operates without immediate drug intervention, reducing the colony's overall reliance on harsh acaricides.
Supporting the Hive Structure
While its primary biological role is pest control, the SBB still functions as the structural foundation of the hive. It supports the weight of the boxes and provides the landing platform for foraging bees.
Because the bottom is open to the elements, it is critical to tilt the colony slightly forward. This ensures that any rainwater hitting the front landing board runs off rather than pooling inside or wicking through the screen.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Suppression vs. Eradication
It is vital to understand that Screened Bottom Boards are a tool for population management, not eradication.
Supplementary data indicates that SBBs generally reduce mite levels by 13% to 21%. While this is a significant help, it is rarely sufficient to control a heavy infestation on its own.
The Danger of False Security
A common pitfall is assuming the installation of an SBB eliminates the need for monitoring.
Because the reduction is passive and partial, the mite population can still grow, albeit more slowly. The SBB should be viewed as one component of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, not a "set it and forget it" solution.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To effectively utilize Screened Bottom Boards, you must align their capabilities with your management objectives:
- If your primary focus is Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Use SBBs as a standard baseline defense to slow mite growth between effective chemical treatments.
- If your primary focus is natural or chemical-free beekeeping: Recognize that while SBBs are a non-chemical aid, you must combine them with other methods (like brood breaks or hygienic genetics) to achieve adequate control.
- If your primary focus is treating a critical infestation: Do not rely on SBBs alone; immediate intervention with a proven treatment is required to save the colony.
Ultimately, the Screened Bottom Board is a structural upgrade that turns gravity into a weapon against Varroa, offering a permanent, low-maintenance advantage in the fight for colony health.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Description | Impact on Varroa Control |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Passive gravity-based removal | Mites fall through mesh and cannot return to the colony. |
| Efficiency | 13% to 21% population reduction | Provides continuous, baseline suppression of parasite loads. |
| Mesh Specs | Size-specific grid | Allows mites to pass while remaining safe for bee movement. |
| Integration | Part of a broader IPM strategy | Reduces reliance on chemical acaricides when used correctly. |
| Maintenance | Permanent hardware installation | Operates 24/7 as a structural foundation for the hive. |
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References
- Ariela I Haber, Dennis vanEngelsdorp. Use of Chemical and Nonchemical Methods for the Control of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) and Associated Winter Colony Losses in U.S. Beekeeping Operations. DOI: 10.1093/jee/toz088
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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