To properly prepare for an alcohol wash test, you must first fill your washing device with sufficient isopropyl alcohol or windshield washing fluid to cover the bottom of the inner cylinder. Crucially, you must locate and isolate the queen to prevent harming her, then select a frame from the outer edge of the brood area to collect a sample of 200 to 300 nurse bees.
The integrity of an alcohol wash relies on a dual focus: ensuring the absolute safety of the queen and targeting the specific demographic of "nurse bees" to guarantee the mite count is statistically accurate.
Setting Up the Equipment
Selecting the Fluid
You may use either an isopropyl alcohol mixture or standard windshield washing fluid.
Filling the Device
Pour the chosen fluid into the wash device. You must add enough liquid to completely cover the bottom of the inner perforated cylinder where the bees will eventually be placed.
Fluid Management
Be aware that this fluid can be reused for multiple tests. After a test, pour the fluid through a fine mesh strainer to remove dead mites and debris before using it again.
Securing the Queen
The Most Critical Step
Before collecting any bees, you must find the queen. Including her in the alcohol wash sample is fatal to the colony's leadership.
Isolation Techniques
Once located, isolate her to ensure she does not wander into your collection zone. The most effective method is to temporarily place her, along with the frame she is on, into a separate nucleus (nuc) box.
Protocol for a Missing Queen
If you cannot locate the queen, you must alter your sampling strategy to prioritize safety over optimal accuracy. In this scenario, select a frame away from the brood nest to minimize the risk of accidentally killing her.
Selecting the Sample Frame
Target the "Nurse Bees"
The goal is to collect young nurse bees. These bees have the highest varroa mite infestation rates because phoretic mites congregate on them to remain close to open brood cells.
Location of the Sample
Select a frame located at the outer edge of or just outside the brood area. This specific location generally holds the population of nurse bees required for a reliable test.
Returning the Frame
Once the bees are collected, the frame should be returned to the hive promptly to minimize disturbance to the colony structure.
Collection Methods
The Tub Method
Hold your selected frame over a plastic tub and give it a sharp downward shake to dislodge the bees. Gather the bees into a corner of the tub and use a half-cup measuring scoop to collect your sample of approx. 300 bees.
The Direct Scoop Method
Alternatively, if the queen is confirmed isolated, you can slide the sampler basket directly up the frame. Scoop bees gently until the basket is filled to the 300-bee level mark.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Safety vs. Accuracy
If you cannot find the queen and must sample away from the brood nest (as per safety protocols), be aware that your mite count may be artificially low. Older forager bees found on outer frames carry fewer mites than the nurse bees in the brood nest.
Fluid Clarity vs. Economy
While straining fluid allows for reuse, the liquid will eventually become diluted or opaque. Using dirty fluid can make it difficult to see and count mites accurately, so replace it once visibility is compromised.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
- If your primary focus is Maximum Accuracy: You must locate the queen so you can safely sample nurse bees directly from a frame containing open brood.
- If your primary focus is Speed and Safety: If the queen is elusive, sample from a food frame away from the brood to ensure zero risk to the queen, but interpret the results as a likely under-count.
Consistency in your preparation leads to data you can trust for hive management decisions.
Summary Table:
| Preparation Step | Key Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid Selection | Use Isopropyl alcohol or windshield wash | Ensures mites detach effectively for counting |
| Queen Safety | Locate and isolate the queen | Prevents accidental loss of the colony leader |
| Bee Sampling | Collect 200-300 nurse bees | Targeted demographic provides highest mite accuracy |
| Frame Choice | Select edge of brood nest | Balances nurse bee density with queen protection |
| Equipment | Use a double-chamber wash device | Allows mites to fall through for easy visibility |
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