How are tick strips placed in a beehive? - briefly
Insert the strip horizontally across the brood chamber, laying it over the frames so that bees crawl over its surface. Leave it for the prescribed treatment period, then remove and dispose of it according to the product instructions.
How are tick strips placed in a beehive? - in detail
Tick strips, also called brood frames or wire combs, are installed inside a hive to provide a controlled environment for larvae development and to facilitate mite monitoring. The process follows a precise sequence:
- Select a frame that matches the hive’s dimensions (Langstroth, Top Bar, or Warre). Ensure the wooden or plastic frame is clean, free of old wax, and has the appropriate number of wire or plastic comb foundations.
- Position the frame on the hive supers or brood box according to the colony’s current layout. Typically, the central position is reserved for the queen’s laying area, while tick strips are placed on the outermost frames to ease inspection.
- Insert the pre‑cut tick strip into the central groove of the foundation. Align the strip so that its edges are flush with the frame’s sides, preventing gaps where bees could seal off the strip.
- Secure the strip with a small amount of melted wax or a beeswax adhesive. Apply the wax evenly along the strip’s length, allowing it to harden before the colony is disturbed.
- Re‑install the frame into the hive, ensuring it is level and fully seated in the rack. Close the hive cover gently to avoid shaking the bees.
During subsequent inspections, the strip can be lifted to assess brood pattern, detect Varroa mites, or replace damaged sections. Replacement involves removing the old strip, cleaning the frame, and inserting a new strip following the same alignment and sealing steps. Proper placement and sealing maintain airflow, prevent brood loss, and improve the reliability of mite counts.