Precise colony management requires accurate data. The combination of a screen bottom board and a sticky trap board is essential because it creates a controlled environment for physical isolation and retention, ensuring that fallen Varroa mites are neither cleaned away by bees nor able to climb back into the colony.
Core Takeaway This system functions as a diagnostic tool that converts biological behavior (mites naturally falling) into quantifiable data. By physically separating the pest from the host and securing the "evidence" with adhesive, beekeepers can calculate precise infestation rates to determine the exact timing for medical intervention.
The Mechanics of Isolation and Capture
The Function of the Screened Board
The primary role of the screen bottom board is physical isolation. It utilizes a specific mesh size that allows Varroa mites to pass through while preventing honeybees from following them.
Crucially, this separation prevents the bees from performing hygienic behavior. If mites fell onto a solid bottom board, bees would likely clean them away, permanently removing the "evidence" needed for an accurate count.
The Role of the Sticky Trap
Once a mite passes through the screen, the sticky trap board ensures retention. Positioned directly beneath the mesh, this board is coated with an adhesive (such as cooking spray or petroleum jelly) that firmly captures the falling mites.
Without this adhesive layer, live mites that fall naturally could simply climb back up the hive stand and re-attach to a host bee. The sticky board prevents this re-infestation and ensures that every mite that falls remains available for counting.
Utilizing Data for Colony Management
Calculating Daily Mite Drop
This mechanical system allows for the precise counting of "natural mite drop." To obtain a reliable baseline, the sticky board is typically left in place for three days.
The total number of mites is then divided by three to determine the average daily mite drop. This metric is the standard unit of measurement for assessing the severity of an infestation.
Estimating Total Colony Infestation
The daily drop count serves as a quantitative basis for estimating the total mite population within the hive.
Beekeepers apply specific coefficients to this data—often multiplying the daily drop by 20 to 40—to approximate the total infestation level. This calculation helps determine if the colony has reached a threshold requiring immediate medication.
Evaluating Treatment Efficacy
Beyond routine monitoring, this combination is critical for verifying the success of pest control treatments.
By tracking the drop count before and after applying a treatment, a beekeeper can physically verify if the medication is effectively dislodging mites from the bees.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Monitoring vs. Control
It is vital to distinguish between monitoring an infestation and controlling it.
While using a screened bottom board can reduce the mite population by approximately 20% (as mites fall out and die of cold or starvation), this mechanical control alone is rarely sufficient to save a heavily infested colony.
Interpretation Variables
The "coefficient" used to estimate total population (multiplying the drop count by 20-40) is an estimate, not a certainty.
Factors such as the time of year, the amount of brood present, and colony strength can influence how many mites fall naturally. Therefore, this method should be viewed as a strong indicator of trends rather than an absolute census of every mite in the hive.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To use this equipment effectively, align your usage with your specific management objectives:
- If your primary focus is routine monitoring: Leave the sticky board in for three days, calculate the daily average, and use this trend to decide when to medicate.
- If your primary focus is mechanical control: Keep the screened bottom open (without the sticky board inserted) to allow roughly 20% of mites to fall out of the hive and die, but combine this with other treatment methods.
- If your primary focus is treatment verification: Insert the sticky board immediately after applying a treatment to confirm that mite drop numbers spike, indicating the chemical is working.
Successful beekeeping relies not just on treating pests, but on using accurate physical data to time those treatments perfectly.
Summary Table:
| Component | Primary Function | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Bottom Board | Physical Isolation | Prevents bees from cleaning away mite evidence. |
| Sticky Trap Board | Retention & Capture | Stops fallen mites from re-entering the hive. |
| Data Calculation | Monitoring Trend | Provides daily mite drop rates for treatment timing. |
| Mechanical Control | Population Reduction | Can reduce mite load by ~20% via natural drop. |
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References
- Qodratollah Sabahi, Ernesto Guzmán‐Novoa. Continuous release of oregano oil effectively and safely controls Varroa destructor infestations in honey bee colonies in a northern climate. DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0157-3
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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