Wire mesh serves as a critical selective barrier positioned directly above the sticky bottom board in a beehive. Its primary function is to physically separate the colony from the monitoring surface, allowing parasitic Varroa mites to fall through while preventing bees from accessing the adhesive or removing the fallen mites.
The wire mesh ensures data integrity by defeating the bees' natural hygienic instinct to clean debris. Without this barrier, bees would remove fallen mites, rendering your count inaccurate and your treatment assessment unreliable.
Protecting the Colony from Hazards
Preventing Physical Harm to Bees
The sticky bottom board relies on strong adhesives or oil to capture mites. Without a barrier, bees would naturally walk across this surface.
The wire mesh acts as a safety shield. It prevents bees from becoming entrapped in the adhesive, which would otherwise lead to injury or death for the workers.
Facilitating Non-Invasive Monitoring
Unlike methods such as alcohol washes, which require killing a sample of bees, the mesh and sticky board system allows for passive monitoring.
This setup enables you to gauge parasitic pressure without disrupting the colony's daily operations or reducing its population.
Ensuring Data Accuracy
Counteracting Hygienic Behavior
Honeybees are naturally hygienic and will actively remove debris and dead pests from the hive.
If bees have access to the bottom board, they will carry away fallen Varroa mites. The mesh blocks this access, preserving the fallen mites on the sticky board for an accurate "true count."
The Mechanics of Filtration
The mesh is manufactured with a specific aperture size.
This size is calibrated to be large enough for mites to pass through freely but small enough to act as an impassable wall for the bees. This selective filtration is the core mechanism that makes the monitoring system viable.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Potential for Debris Build-up
While the mesh lets mites through, it can also catch larger hive debris, wax capings, or pollen.
If the mesh becomes clogged, it prevents mites from reaching the sticky board, leading to falsely low counts. Regular inspection and cleaning of the screen are required to maintain accuracy.
Seasonal Ventilation Factors
Wire mesh boards provide significant ventilation, which is beneficial in summer but can be detrimental in colder months.
Beekeepers must often switch to solid boards or close off the screen as temperatures drop to prevent drafts that could chill the brood.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To get the most out of your hive management strategy, align your equipment use with your specific objective:
- If your primary focus is accurate mite counting: Ensure the mesh is clear of wax and debris so that every falling mite reaches the sticky trap for a precise census.
- If your primary focus is winterizing the hive: Consider replacing or covering the open wire mesh with a solid board to reduce airflow and help the colony maintain heat.
By utilizing the wire mesh correctly, you transform a simple sticky board into a precision instrument for hive health.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Function in Hive Management | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture Size | Allows mites to fall while blocking bee access | Prevents bee injury & entrapment |
| Selective Barrier | Prevents bees from removing debris/mites | Ensures data integrity for mite counts |
| Passive Monitoring | No need to handle or kill bees for samples | Reduces colony stress & mortality |
| Mesh Screen | Acts as a physical filter for hive debris | Facilitates non-invasive health checks |
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References
- Alemu Tsegaye, Yusran Ibrahim. Evaluation of the Efficiency of Different Biotechnical Techniques for the Control of Varroa Mite in Eastern Amhara. DOI: 10.11648/j.fem.20241003.12
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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