As a dedicated beekeeper, your hive’s health and well-being are paramount. Among the many challenges you face, one of the most critical is monitoring and managing varroa mite (Varroa destructor) infestations. These tiny parasites can wreak havoc on your bee colonies if left unchecked, making regular mite monitoring a crucial aspect of your beekeeping routine. In this blog post, we’ll explore three effective methods for counting varroa mites: sticky boards, sugar rolls, and alcohol washes. Each of these techniques has its advantages, and mastering them will help you ensure the vitality of your hives.
1. Sticky Boards: The Passive Monitoring Method
Sticky boards, also known as sticky traps or bottom boards, provide a passive and straightforward way to monitor varroa mite levels in your hive. Here’s how to use sticky boards effectively:
Materials Needed:
- A sticky board (typically coated with adhesive)
- A screened bottom board or solid bottom board with a tray
Steps:
- Place the sticky board on the bottom of your hive, beneath the screened or solid bottom board.
- Leave the sticky board in place for a specific period, usually between 24 and 72 hours.
- After the monitoring period, remove the sticky board and inspect it carefully.
- Count the varroa mites stuck to the adhesive surface.
Advantages of Sticky Boards:
- Passive monitoring requires minimal disturbance to the hive.
- The technique is relatively simple and cost-effective.
- It provides a snapshot of mite levels at a specific moment.
2. Sugar Roll: A Non-lethal Sampling Method
The sugar roll method is a non-lethal way to estimate varroa mite levels within your hive. It involves dislodging mites from adult bees using powdered sugar and then counting them. Here’s how to perform a sugar roll:
Materials Needed:
- A wide-mouthed jar with a screened lid
- Powdered sugar
- A 1/2 cup measuring scoop
- A small container to hold the bees
Steps:
- Select a frame of capped brood from your hive.
- Shake the bees from the selected frame into a container, ensuring you collect approximately 300 bees.
- Place the collected bees in the wide-mouthed jar.
- Add approximately two tablespoons of powdered sugar to the jar.
- Close the jar with the screened lid and gently roll and shake it for about a minute to coat the bees with powdered sugar.
- Invert the jar over a clean white surface or tray.
- As the sugar falls, varroa mites will dislodge from the bees and become visible.
- Count the varroa mites that have fallen onto the surface.
Advantages of Sugar Rolls:
- This method doesn’t harm the bees and is a relatively gentle way to assess mite levels.
- It provides an estimate of mite infestation levels within the hive.
3. Alcohol Wash: The Most Accurate Method
The alcohol wash method is considered one of the most accurate techniques for counting varroa mites. It involves collecting a sample of bees and immersing them in alcohol to dislodge and count the mites. Here’s how to perform an alcohol wash:
Materials Needed:
- A container with a lid, such as a mason jar
- A half-cup measuring scoop
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) with at least 70% concentration
- A screened lid or mesh to strain the bees
Steps:
- Collect a sample of approximately 300 bees from the brood area of your hive. A half-cup measuring scoop is a useful tool for this.
- Place the collected bees in the container.
- Add enough rubbing alcohol to cover the bees completely.
- Securely close the container with a lid.
- Shake the container vigorously for about a minute, ensuring that the alcohol dislodges the mites from the bees.
- Strain the liquid through a mesh or screened lid to separate the bees from the mites.
- Count the varroa mites that have been separated from the bees.
Advantages of Alcohol Wash:
- This method provides an accurate count of varroa mites within the hive.
- It can be used to assess the mite infestation rate more precisely.
In conclusion, monitoring varroa mite levels is a critical aspect of beekeeping, and these three methods—sticky boards, sugar rolls, and alcohol washes—offer valuable insights into the health of your bee colonies. By regularly employing these techniques, you can take proactive measures to manage varroa mite infestations effectively and ensure the well-being of your cherished bee colonies. As a trusted resource for beekeeping supplies, Dadant and Sons is here to support you on your beekeeping journey, providing the tools and knowledge you need to protect your bees and maintain thriving hives.
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/honeycomb-insect-bees-honey-53444/