How to Test for Varroa Mites

Testing for Varroa Mites is an essential protocol throughout the year. These videos demonstrate two reliable methods for determining the presence of Varroa Mites in your beehives.

Alcohol Wash:
In this video, we demonstrate how you can monitor your colonies with the Alcohol Wash Method in order to calculate the level of Varroa mite infestation and determine if it’s necessary to look into treatments. This method is very similar to the Icing Sugar Shake Method, however, the main difference is that your bees will not survive this method.

What you will need:
• Mite Shaker (for example a double jar mite shaker or an Easy Check). Alternatively, you can use a mason jar with a #8 wire mesh lid.
• A rectangular tub big enough to shake frames into.
• ½ a cup of live bees.
• 70% alcohol or windshield washer fluid with ethanol (enough to cover ½ a cup of bees).

Monitoring:
Add enough 70% alcohol or windshield washer fluid to the mite shaker that it will cover ½ a cup of bees. Shake 1-2 frames of bees into a large rectangular bucket (make sure the queen is not on either frame). Scoop up ½ a cup of bees and pour them into the mite shaker. Close the lid tightly and shake the container for at least 3 minutes. Swirl the mite shaker, leaving the bees on the top and letting the fluid drain into the bottom of the jar. Count the number of mites in the fluid.

Calculating:
There are approximately 300 bees in ½ a cup. Divide the number of mites you counted by 300 and multiply the outcome by 100 to determine what percentage of Varroa mites are present in your colonies. If it’s over 3%, it would be to your economic advantage to treat your colonies before their population grows!"

Icing Sugar Shake:

In this video, we demonstrate how you can monitor your colonies with the Icing Sugar Shake Method in order to calculate the level of Varroa mite infestation and determine if it’s necessary to look into treatments. The Icing Sugar Shake Method is widely used because it doesn’t kill your bees, it’s quick, reasonably accurate, and allows for a calculated estimate of mite infestation.

What you will need:

• A mason jar with a #8 wire screen as a lid

• A rectangular tub big enough to shake frames into

• ½ a cup of live bees

• 2-4 tablespoons of icing sugar

• Spray bottle filled with water

• A light-colored tub or platter

Monitoring:

Shake 1-2 frames of bees into a large rectangular tub (make sure the queen is not on either frame). Scoop half a cup of bees and pour them into the mite shaker. Close the lid tightly and add 1-2 tablespoons of icing sugar through the wire mesh lid. Swirl the jar gently to coat the bees with icing sugar and leave the jar under the sun for 3 minutes. Turn the jar upside down and shake the icing sugar (and mites) through the wire mesh onto the light-colored platter. Repeat this process by adding an additional 1-2 tablespoons of icing sugar into the mite shaker. Empty the second batch of sugar onto the platter and use the spray bottle to spray water onto the platter to dissolve the sugar. Take note of how many mites are present. Open the mite shaker and release your sugar-coated bees back into the hive - they’ll get a nice treat while they clean themselves.

Calculating:

There are ~300 bees in half a cup. Divide the number of mites you counted by 300 and multiply the outcome by 100 to determine what percentage of Varroa mites are present in your colonies. If it’s greater than or equal to 3%, it would be to your economic advantage to treat your colonies before their population grows!