Hello All
 
In my opinion, the basic function of a varroa floor is to enable the
beekeeper to control varroa. The wire mesh on the floor isolates the mites
that die from the bees, so that the bees will not clean up the mites and
upset the mite count. The mite count and the time of year determines when
varroa control (if any) is carried out.
 
The floors on my hives have a sheet of plywood under the mesh. I
periodically affix a sheet of computer listing paper to the plywood, and
write the date and name of the apiary on it. The plywood sheet is then slid
in under the wire mesh. Then I check for mites (thankfully I have not yet
got any), and then send the paper to the local research centre for
professional analysis.
 
The back of the plywood has a wooden batten nailed to it, and a handle stuck
to the batten. This means that the varroa floor is moth and wasp proof, and
it also prevents a current of air entering the hive from that direction. The
handle makes for easier removal and re-insertion of the plywood sheet.
 
The varroa floor can also be used to find out what is going on in the hive
when the hive cannot be opened.
 
Tiny insects can be seen wandering around, probably pollen mites.
 
I believe that there is a flotation technique which can be used to separate
any mites from the detritus. If the debris is tipped into a tall jar filled
with a mixture of meths / water in equal quantities the mites ( and an awful
lot more
floats to the top. This can be decanted into a broad jar ( petrie dish) and
examined.
 
I have found pollen, wax, chalk brood and Braula in my debris.
 
A varroa floor insert seems to me to be a valuable source of information, if
I can gain some experience in making sense of it.
 
Also with the regular removal of the debris there is no need to spring clean the
floor.
 
Sincerely
 
Tom Barrett
49 South Park
Foxrock
Dublin 18
Ireland
 
Hobbyist beekeeper
 
e mail [log in to unmask]
Tel + 353 1 289 5269
Fax + 353 1 289 9940
 
Latitude  53 Degrees 16' North
Longitude  6 Degrees  9' West of Greenwich