IPM Screened Bottom Boards

Screened Bottom Boards Reduce Mites and Increase Ventilation

Each Beecentic Hive has an integrated pest management (IPM) screened bottom board to reduce varroa mites. Unlike solid bottom boards, screened bottom boards have an open 1/8th-inch wire mesh bottom. Debris (including mites) fall through the mesh bottom as the bees clean the hive and groom each other. In his book, Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches To Modern Apiculture, Ross Conrad estimates that 10% to 20% of varroa mites fall off their hosts and through the screened bottom board. The screened bottom board’s second use is performing mite counts. All screened bottom boards come with a plastic insert that can close the hive up during Winter or be used to perform mite counts.

In addition to reducing and monitoring varroa mite, screened bottom boards prevent moisture buildup and potentially fungal diseases within the colony by increasing ventilation.

• Reduces varroa mites by an estimated 10-20%
• Provides a non-invasive way to monitor varroa mites