Wide-mouth jars and 2 millimeter metal hardware mesh operate as a unified physical separation system. The jar provides the enclosed environment necessary to agitate infested honey bees with powdered sugar, causing Varroa mites to detach. The 2 millimeter mesh lid then functions as a precise sieve, allowing the smaller mites and sugar to pass through while keeping the bees safely contained.
Core Takeaway This method relies on the principle of non-destructive separation. By exploiting the size difference between the parasite and the host, the hardware mesh filters out live mites for analysis without harming the bee colony, a critical advantage over lethal testing methods.
The Mechanics of the Separation System
The Role of the Wide-Mouth Jar
The wide-mouth jar serves as the agitation chamber. It must be large enough to contain a specific sample size—typically around 300 bees—while leaving ample space for the bees to be rolled in the sugar.
The jar's rigid structure allows the beekeeper to apply vigorous physical force. This agitation is necessary to coat the bees thoroughly and dislodge the mites.
How Powdered Sugar Facilitates Detachment
Inside the jar, the fine-grained powdered sugar acts as a physical interference medium. It coats the bees and the mites during the rolling process.
This coating interferes with the adhesive structures (pads) on the Varroa mites' feet. Unable to maintain their grip on the host bee, the mites detach and fall into the loose sugar mixture.
The Precision of the 2mm Mesh
The 2 millimeter metal hardware mesh is the critical filtration component. It is fitted to the lid of the jar to create a physical barrier with specific aperture dimensions.
This mesh size is calculated to be strictly selective. It is large enough to allow the detached Varroa mites (and the sugar) to pass through freely when the jar is inverted and shaken.
Crucially, the 2mm opening is too small for the honey bees to pass through. This ensures the host bees are retained inside the jar, allowing them to be returned to the colony alive after the test.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Risk of Mesh Clogging
The effectiveness of the 2mm mesh relies on the sugar remaining a fine powder. High humidity or moisture from the bees can cause the sugar to clump.
If the sugar clumps, it can block the mesh openings. This prevents mites from falling through, potentially leading to an inaccurate, low count of the infestation level.
Agitation Intensity
There is a delicate balance required when shaking the jar. The force must be strong enough to dislodge the mites using the abrasive sugar and mesh impact.
However, excessive force against the hard metal mesh can injure the bees. The goal is a thorough roll and shake, not violent impact.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To maximize the effectiveness of this equipment, apply the method based on your specific objective:
- If your primary focus is infestation monitoring: Ensure the mesh is completely dry and unclogged before every use to guarantee an accurate count of mites per 100 bees.
- If your primary focus is drug resistance testing: Utilize this specific jar-and-mesh setup to collect live mites, as the non-lethal nature of the sugar method preserves the parasites for further lab analysis.
The success of the powdered sugar method rests entirely on the mechanical precision of the mesh and the thoroughness of the agitation within the jar.
Summary Table:
| Component | Primary Function | Key Specification/Principle |
|---|---|---|
| Wide-Mouth Jar | Agitation Chamber | Rigid structure for vigorous rolling of ~300 bees |
| Powdered Sugar | Interference Medium | Dislodges mites by coating adhesive pads on their feet |
| 2mm Metal Mesh | Precision Sieve | Filters smaller mites while safely retaining live bees |
| The System | Non-destructive Separation | Exploits size difference between host and parasite |
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References
- Sabrina Rondeau, Valérie Fournier. Risk assessment and predation potential of Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Acari: Laelapidae) to control Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) in honey bees. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208812
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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