The installation of a sticky board is fundamental to accurate data retention. Without this device, the physical evidence required to measure treatment success—the dead mites—would be removed by the bees or eaten by scavengers before they could be counted. By trapping falling mites on an adhesive surface, the board converts biological activity into verifiable statistical data, allowing for the precise calculation of treatment efficacy.
Core Insight A sticky board serves as a data preservation tool that counters the natural hygienic behaviors of the hive. It ensures that the "mite drop" count is a true reflection of mortality rather than a variable result of how quickly bees clean their colony.
The Mechanics of Data Preservation
Countering Hive Hygiene
Worker bees are instinctively hygienic. Their natural behavior drives them to identify debris—including dead Varroa mites—and physically remove it from the hive.
Without a sticky board, a significant percentage of mites killed by a treatment would be carried away by bees. The adhesive layer on the board traps the mite immediately upon contact, preventing workers from clearing this crucial data point.
Deterring Scavengers
The floor of a beehive is often patrolled by scavengers, particularly ants, looking for organic matter. These scavengers can carry away dead mites rapidly.
The oil film or sticky adhesive acts as a barrier that prevents ants from stealing the "evidence." This ensures the count reflects the actual kill rate of the miticide, rather than the feeding rate of local scavengers.
The Function of the Mesh Barrier
To ensure the sticky board works effectively, it is often paired with a metal mesh screen. This mesh creates a physical separation between the colony and the collection zone.
It prevents adult bees from coming into contact with the debris or the adhesive itself. This ensures that the data collected is purely a result of gravity (mites falling) and is not altered by bees walking over the collection surface.
From Biological Activity to Statistical Data
Calculating Percentage Effectiveness
The primary purpose of the board is to enable the calculation of the Percentage of Mites Killed (PMK). By counting the mites trapped on the board, technicians can generate a concrete number representing the treatment's impact.
This quantitative analysis allows for the creation of pharmacodynamic curves. These curves visualize how the treatment performs over specific intervals, such as 24, 48, or 72 hours.
Comparing Baselines
A sticky board allows you to establish a "natural drop" baseline before treatment begins. By comparing the pre-treatment natural mortality rate with the post-treatment drop, you can isolate the specific kill efficiency of the chemical or biological agent used.
Visual Clarity for Counting
High-quality boards, often made of laminated cardboard or wood frames, provide a clear visual background. This contrast is essential for technicians to accurately distinguish Varroa mites from other hive debris during the counting process.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Material Absorption Issues
Not all boards are created equal. Non-laminated cardboard can absorb humidity from the hive or liquid medication residues.
This absorption causes the board to deform or warp, making it difficult to slide in and out of the hive. It can also obscure the visual field, leading to inaccurate counts.
Debris Saturation
Leaving a sticky board in place for too long without a count can lead to data degradation. The board captures all hive debris, not just mites.
If the board becomes saturated with wax cappings and pollen, it becomes impossible to accurately identify the mites. Strict adherence to counting intervals (e.g., every 72 hours) is necessary to maintain data integrity.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When implementing a monitoring protocol, select your equipment based on the precision required.
- If your primary focus is determining specific Kill Rates (PMK): Use a board with a gridded surface and a metal mesh barrier to ensure the highest statistical accuracy for pharmacodynamic analysis.
- If your primary focus is Equipment Durability: Choose laminated or wood-framed boards to prevent warping from humidity or chemical absorption during the treatment cycle.
Ultimately, the sticky board is the only tool that bridges the gap between applying a treatment and scientifically validating its results.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Function & Benefit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive Surface | Prevents bees and scavengers (ants) from removing dead mites. | Data Preservation |
| Mesh Barrier | Separates bees from debris to ensure natural mite drop collection. | Data Integrity |
| Gridded Design | Provides a visual background for easier and faster counting. | Statistical Accuracy |
| Lamination | Resists warping from hive humidity and medication residues. | Durability & Reuse |
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References
- Carolin Rein, Peter Rosenkranz. Lithium chloride treatments in free flying honey bee colonies: efficacy, brood survival, and within-colony distribution. DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08084-y
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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