The hive bottom board is the central hub for infestation analysis. It is prioritized during sampling because it serves as the primary aggregation site for adult small hive beetles, hosting approximately 50% of the adult population. By focusing on this specific location, researchers can utilize its physical boundaries to standardize data collection and generate reliable estimates for the entire colony.
The bottom board provides a statistically significant snapshot of the colony because adult beetles naturally congregate there to seek refuge in debris and crevices.
Biological Aggregation and Sampling Efficiency
The Tendency to Seek Refuge
Small hive beetles are opportunistic pests that actively seek protection. They gravitate toward the bottom board to hide within accumulated debris or structural crevices.
This behavior makes the bottom board a predictable gathering point. It transforms the sampling process from a random search into a targeted assessment of a known "hotspot."
High Population Density
Reliable sampling requires a sufficient sample size. The bottom board consistently hosts roughly half of the adult beetle population.
Capturing data from a site with such high density ensures that the sample is representative of the wider infestation. It eliminates the need to dismantle the entire hive to gauge pest levels.
Standardization and Data Reliability
Defining Physical Boundaries
To compare data across different colonies or time periods, the sampling area must be consistent. The bottom board acts as a standardized sampling node.
Its rigid physical boundaries limit the sampling area. This allows researchers to ignore the variable complexity of the upper hive bodies and focus on a fixed surface area.
Extrapolating Total Infestation
Because the distribution of beetles is predictable (with the bottom board acting as the primary hub), counts taken here allow for accurate modeling.
The data collected from the bottom board provides a reliable basis for estimating the total infestation level of the entire honeybee colony.
Understanding the Variables and Trade-offs
Impact of Hive Hardware
While the bottom board is the standard, the specific equipment used can influence results. For example, screened bottom boards designed for oil pan traps function differently than solid boards.
These specialized boards are often used to actively trap parasites or separate them from the bee cluster. While this aids in control, it may alter the "static" count of beetles compared to a standard solid board where beetles merely congregate.
Alternative Hiding Spots
The reliability of the bottom board sample assumes beetles are not finding better refuge elsewhere.
Beekeepers using frames with grooved bottom bars introduce a variable. If these grooves are not filled (e.g., with a wood strip or glue), beetles may hide there instead of dropping to the bottom board, potentially skewing the population estimate.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To effectively manage small hive beetle infestations, you must align your sampling method with your specific objective.
- If your primary focus is accurate population estimation: Rely on the bottom board's physical boundaries to limit your sampling area and ensure consistent data collection.
- If your primary focus is active pest reduction: Utilize screened bottom boards in conjunction with oil pan traps to isolate and eliminate beetles while monitoring.
- If your primary focus is reducing variability: Ensure frame grooves are filled flush to force beetles out of the frames and down to the bottom board for detection.
By treating the bottom board as a standardized diagnostic tool, you turn a chaotic infestation into a measurable data point.
Summary Table:
| Factor | Details | Impact on Sampling |
|---|---|---|
| Population Density | ~50% of adult beetles aggregate here | High sample representativeness |
| Physical Boundaries | Fixed, rigid surface area | Enables standardized data collection |
| Beetle Behavior | Natural tendency to seek refuge in debris | Predictable hotspot for targeted searches |
| Hardware Type | Solid vs. Screened/Oil Trap boards | Influences static counts vs. active removal |
| Variables | Grooved frame bottom bars | Can skew estimates if beetles hide in frames |
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References
- Kayode Lawrence Akinwande, Peter Neumann. Small hive beetle infestation levels of honey bee colonies correlate with precipitation and forest cover. DOI: 10.1007/s13592-018-0579-x
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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