The 6mm metal hardware cloth functions as a critical selective filter. It is installed to allow falling Varroa mites and small debris to pass through to the collection surface while physically blocking honeybees from accessing the bottom area of the monitoring system.
By separating the colony from the collection board, this screen prevents bees from "cleaning" away the fallen mites, ensuring your data remains accurate while keeping the bees safe from adhesive materials.
Preserving Data Integrity
Eliminating Hygienic Interference
Honeybees are naturally hygienic creatures. If they have access to the bottom board, they will instinctively attempt to remove foreign objects, including fallen mites.
Ensuring Accurate Counts
Without the screen, bees would carry the dead mites out of the hive before you can count them. The hardware cloth ensures that once a mite falls, it stays on the sticky board for accurate quantification.
Protecting Colony Health
Preventing Adhesive Contact
Mite-collection boards are coated with sticky substances like oil or Vaseline to trap pests. You must prevent bees from walking on this surface.
Maintaining Bee Hygiene
If bees contact the adhesive, it can coat their bodies or damage their wings. The 6mm barrier ensures the bees remain clean and isolated from the sampling chemicals.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Importance of Mesh Size
The 6mm dimension is not arbitrary; it is a specific calibration. The mesh must be large enough to let mites fall through freely without getting stuck on the wire.
The Risk of Incorrect Spacing
Conversely, the mesh must be small enough to be impenetrable to the bees. If the mesh is too wide, or if there are gaps in the installation, bees will bypass the barrier, compromising both the data and their safety.
Ensuring Success in Mite Monitoring
- If your primary focus is Data Accuracy: Ensure the hardware cloth is completely intact and covers the entire collection area so bees cannot remove a single sample.
- If your primary focus is Colony Safety: Verify that the screen is securely fastened to prevent bees from accidentally squeezing through and getting trapped in the oil.
The hardware cloth is the simple component that transforms a sticky board from a hazard into a reliable scientific instrument.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Purpose | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 6mm Mesh Size | Allows mites to fall while blocking bees | Prevents bees from cleaning away mite samples |
| Physical Barrier | Keeps bees away from sticky surfaces | Protects colony health from adhesive exposure |
| Data Integrity | Isolates fallen Varroa mites | Ensures 100% accurate mite quantification |
| Hygiene Control | Separates colony from debris | Maintains hive cleanliness and bee safety |
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References
- Michael L. Smith, David T. Peck. Dynamics of honey bee colony death and its implications for Varroa destructor mite transmission using observation hives. DOI: 10.1007/s13592-023-00991-4
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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