1 - How to Monitor, Sample, and Treat for Varroa 2 - When to Sample 3 - Sugar Shake 4 - Alcohol Wash 5 - Sticky Board 6 - Disclaimer

USDA Varroa Sugar Shake Instructions
How to Sample for Mites

Materials needed:
Mason jar outfitted with ⅛ inch hardware cloth (cut to fill the ring of the lid)
Bee brush
Measuring cup (½ or 1 cup)
Tablespoon
Powdered sugar
White / light colored tray or tub
Water

1. Place 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar into the screened jar. Leave the lid off.
2. Select a brood frame with plenty of bees on it. Make sure the queen is not on the frame.
3. Hold the measuring cup flush with the frame, and using a bee brush, gently brush the
   bees into the measuring cup, filling to ½ cup. Once the bees are in the cup, the cup can
   be shaken back and forth to get the bees to settle for an accurate measurement. If
   necessary, add more bees.
4. Quickly dump the bees into the mason jar and place the screened lid on tight.
5. Roll or shake the jar to evenly coat the bees with powdered sugar. Let it sit in the shade
   for 1 minute. (DO NOT leave the bees in the sun or in the jar too long, as they may get
   sticky and/or asphyxiate).
6. Fill a white / light colored tub or tray with 1 inch of water. Vigorously shake the jar upside
   down until there is no more powdered sugar coming out (approximately 30 seconds to 1
   minute). This will cause the mites to dislodge from the bees and fall into the water. The
   sugar will dissolve in the water, making the mites easier to see.
7. Return the sugared bees to the hive. Their sisters will clean them.
8. Count the number of varroa mites in the tray (reddish brown ovals).
9. ½ cup of bees is approximately 300 bees. To calculate mites per 100 bees, divide the
   total mites found in the sample by 3.
   ** Treatment is recommended if the sugar shake or alcohol wash results in 3 mites per 100
   bees

Sugar shake supplies

Select a brood frame with plenty of bees

Add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar to mason jar

Brush approximately 1/2 cup of bees into measuring cup

Shake the measuring cup back and forth to help the bees settle and visually determine whether there are enough bees

Pour the bees into the jar with the powdered sugar

Add the hardware cloth lid and roll the jar evenly coats the bees with sugar

Bees coated with powdered sugar

Add 1 inch of water to a white or light colored tub

Vigorously shake the jar up and down until all the powdered sugar comes off (approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute)

Count the varroa mites in the water

Credit: All Photos taken by Mona Chambers

<< Previous 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 Next >>