Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T004
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.T004
Published online: 22 April 2026
Mechatronic beehive control system supporting bee health and ecosystem stability
Łukasz Ignasiak*1, Tomasz Kiczek1,2, Maksymilian Galiński1, Agata Bieńczak1 and Paweł Woźniak1
1 Research Group of Mechanical Engineering, Łukasiewicz Research Network – Poznań Institute of Technology, 6 Estkowski St., 61-755 Poznań, Poland
2 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Poznań University of Technology, Piotrowo 3, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
* Corresponding author: lukasz.ignasiak@pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
One of the key challenges of modern beekeeping is the expansion of the parasite Varroa destructor, responsible for the development of varroosis in honey bee colonies. This mite parasitizes both brood and adult bees, disrupting their development, weakening their immunity, and facilitating the transmission of viral pathogens. The scale of losses caused by varroosis has made the search for effective and safe control methods a priority. Although chemical treatments remain widely used, their application raises concerns due to the potential accumulation of residues in bee products and their negative environmental impact. An alternative to conventional solutions is the use of controlled heat therapy, automated through the Beehive Control System (SNUP), which integrates parasite control with monitoring of hive microclimate parameters. The experiment was conducted in active apiaries using prototype versions of the SNUP system.
The research procedure involved controlled elevation of the internal hive temperature to 42 °C, maintained for a specified period, followed by gradual reduction to approximately 35 °C. The aim was to evaluate the parasite’s response to increased temperature while ensuring the biological safety of the bees. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed by analyzing the number of dead Varroa destructor individuals accumulating on the hive bottom board. Simultaneously, bee behavior was observed and environmental parameters were recorded, including temperature, relative humidity, CO₂ concentration, and colony activity levels. The second phase of the experiment involved testing a PCB-based solution, carried out after completion of the heat therapy research series. Data analysis showed that a moderate temperature increase to 38.5 °C resulted in minimal effect, with a low mite drop (0–3 individuals per hive). Significantly higher effectiveness was achieved at 42 °C, where the number of eliminated mites reached approximately 150 individuals.
The results confirmed that both temperature level and duration of exposure have a substantial impact on the effectiveness of parasite population reduction. Importantly, no negative effects on bee survival or overall colony functioning were observed. The application of controlled heat therapy using the SNUP system represents a promising strategy for reducing varroosis without the need for chemical treatments. The results indicate that this method can be effectively integrated with modern apiary monitoring solutions. Automation of the process enables precise control of environmental conditions within the hive, increasing treatment safety and improving bee welfare. The further development of such technologies may contribute to greater stability in beekeeping production and strengthen efforts to protect pollinators and maintain ecosystem balance.
Funded by Agriculture Restructurisation and Modernisation Agency (ARiMR; contract no. 00055.DDD.6509.00059.2019.15).
Keywords: bee health protection; Beehive Control System; varroosis
How to cite
Ignasiak Ł., Kiczek T., Galiński M., Bieńczak A., Woźniak P., 2026. Mechatronic beehive control system supporting bee health and ecosystem stability. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.T004