Varroa Sticky Board With Screen

This sticky board can be used with or without the screen to monitor or diagnose a varroa infestation within colonies of honey bees. If placed directly on the bottom board, the screen will be needed to keep the bees from the adhesive. When used in conjunction with a screened bottom board, the replacement sticky board can be used alone. The sticky board is conveniently printed with the grid lines to aid in determining the number of mites present.

Decisions on varroa mite control are based on the number of varroa mites on the sticky board. If mites are detected at low levels or not at all, treatment may be delayed or not required, resulting in fewer chemicals being applied in the hive, reduced chance of mites becoming resistant to the treatment chemicals, and lesser expenses.

If mites are present at low to moderate levels, treatment can be done to maintain honey production. Overwintered colony losses will be diminished. Use the sticky board to sample at least 10% of hives in large apiaries or at least three hives in smaller ones. Choose unusually large and small colonies and those at row ends.

When to use: Varroa mite detection is best during periods of low brood rearing.

Storage: Store sticky boards in cool conditions in the bag provided.

Directions: Bring the sticky boards to room temperature. Start at the unglued margin and carefully peel off the paper. In the field, ensure traps remain warm until the paper is removed. Record on the sticky board the hive number and the date you insert it.

If you use a standard bottom board or pallet, place the screen (included in DC-680 sticky board with screen) over the sticky surface to keep the bees from sticking to the surface. If you have a screened bottom board, you can simply use a replacement sticky board as it is.

Slide the trap through the entrance of the hive on the bottom board. Use thumbtacks if desired to keep the trap on the screened bottom board flat. Put an approved pesticide in the hive according to the pesticide label instructions.

Remove the trap after 24 hours. Leaving the trap for longer than twenty-four hours will result in a heavy buildup of hive debris, making it difficult to count the mites. Cover the sticky board with clear plastic wrap, and count the varroa mites on the sticky board trap. Purchase a replacement sticky board to do this process again.

In the Spring

• If no mites are detected, remove the pesticide, and test again in the fall.
• If the mite population is low (fewer than one hundred), treatment can be delayed until fall.
• If mite levels are moderate (between one hundred and one thousand), remove any honey supers and treat as soon as possible.
• If mite levels are high (over one thousand), remove honey supers and begin treatment immediately.

In the Fall

• If any mites are detected, treat the honey bee colony immediately.

Varroa mites feed on honey bee species. This infestation may result in deformities among the bees or the eventual decline of entire bee populations and affect the pollination of flowers and the growth of vegetation. If you’re in dire need of tools and supplies for treating varroa mites feeding on your bees, check out Mann Lake.