Screened bottom question

[GRIMBEE]

How can a screened bottom(IPM) give an accurate mite drop count? If you run 2 deeps and 3 medium supers(I do).
A mite dropping from say the first medium is unlikely to pass 2 deeps and make it to the bottom screen. So I don't see that I get an accurate mite count.
Just my 2 cents.

[jasontatro]

Most beeks I know aren't doing much monitoring of mite levels, when supers are on.

JT

[mike haney]

the point is to follow the trend -is the # going up? steady? and base your decisions on that information. good luck,mike

[GRIMBEE]

I don't think I am gonna leave the screened bottom on for winter. I don't think it is a good idea. I haven't seen any bad mite counts so I might not use (IMP) anymore.

[beegee]

Brushy Mt. sells a screened bottom board with the slide-in coroplast board if you want to monitor mite drop. I think you can micro-manage anything to the degree you desire.

Many beeks are finding screened bottom boards even work well in cold climates because of better ventilation. Some beeks just plain don't like them for the same reasons they don't like plastic foundation or permacomb or styrofoam hives