Description
Varroa Mite Test Kit – Alcohol or Soapy Water Wash
You can use either rubbing alcohol / Isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirits for an alcohol wash, or soapy water for a soapy water wash test for varroa mites.
Alcohol or methylated spirits wash
What to use: Rubbing alcohol / Isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirits.
How to do it: Collect a sample of about 300 adult bees, shake them into a jar with the alcohol, and swirl vigorously for 60 seconds. The mites will fall off the bees and become visible at the bottom of the container.
Soapy water wash
What to use: Water mixed with a small amount of dish soap (half a teaspoon of detergent in 150mL of water).
How to do it: Collect a sample of bees and shake them in the soapy water. The mites will become visible at the bottom of the container.
How to do the test?
- Pour between 100-150ml of liquid into the test kit to cover the bottom of the basket.
- Choose a frame with capped brood. Ensure the queen bee is not present.
- Collect a sample of bees by shaking the frame onto a sheet of paper. Field bees will fly off, and nurse bees will be left. Nurse bees are more likely to carry varroa mites.
- About half a cup is needed, or around 200-300 bees.
- Place the lid on the test kit and shake for around 30 seconds.
- Varroa mites will fall to the bottom of the test kit to be counted.
Note: test liquids are not included.
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