The primary purpose of a plastic jar with a mesh lid is to function as a physical separation device. By using this tool, you can mechanically filter Varroa mites out of a sample of honeybees using powdered sugar. The mesh is sized specifically to allow dislodged mites to pass through into a collection tray while keeping the bees safely contained within the jar, ensuring the sampling process is non-destructive.
The Core Insight The mesh lid is the critical component that transforms a simple container into a selective sieve. It enables the "sugar shake" method, allowing you to monitor mite density and collect live parasites for resistance testing without sacrificing the 200–300 bees used in the sample.
The Mechanics of Separation
The Function of the Mesh
The mesh lid acts as a precision filter. It typically features a pore size of approximately 2mm. This dimension is critical: it is large enough to allow Varroa mites and excess powdered sugar to pass through freely, yet small enough to prevent the adult honeybees from escaping.
Facilitating the "Sugar Shake"
The jar serves as a mixing chamber. When bees and powdered sugar are shaken together inside, the friction and sugar coating interfere with the mites' ability to adhere to the bees. The mesh lid then allows for a dry separation process. As you shake the jar over a tray, the dislodged mites fall out, while the bees remain inside, unharmed.
Why "Non-Destructive" Matters
Colony Preservation
Unlike alcohol washes, which kill the sample bees, the mesh lid method allows the bees to be returned to the hive. This is particularly valuable for small colonies or when conducting frequent monitoring where preserving every worker bee is essential.
Live Sampling for Resistance Testing
Because the mechanism relies on physical dislodging rather than chemical termination (like alcohol or soapy water), the Varroa mites collected are often still alive. This is vital for resistance testing, as researchers can subject these live mites to miticides to determine if the local parasite population has developed immunity to specific treatments.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Consistency of Materials
Not all jars are created equal. Industrial-grade plastic is preferred because it ensures a consistent sample volume and superior sealing. If you are transporting samples from the field to a lab, a high-quality seal prevents leakage or contamination, ensuring the data remains valid across different monitoring sites.
The Necessity of Multi-Stage Filtration
While the mesh lid separates bees from mites, it also lets a significant amount of sugar through. For accurate counting, this often requires a secondary filter sieve to separate the mites from the icing sugar. Relying solely on the jar's mesh lid without a secondary step can make it difficult to get an immediate, clear count of the infestation percentage.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When deciding if this equipment is right for your apiary management, consider your specific objectives:
- If your primary focus is Colony Preservation: Use the mesh lid jar to perform routine sugar shakes, as this allows you to return the 200-300 sampled bees to the hive alive.
- If your primary focus is Resistance Research: Use this method to acquire live mite specimens, which are required for subsequent bioassays to test for chemical resistance.
The plastic jar with a mesh lid balances the need for accurate data with the imperative to maintain a healthy, living colony.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Specification/Function |
|---|---|
| Primary Component | 2mm Mesh Lid (Precision Filter) |
| Mechanism | Mechanical separation via "Sugar Shake" method |
| Target Sample Size | 200–300 Honeybees per test |
| Main Advantage | Non-destructive; bees are returned to the hive alive |
| Research Utility | Collects live mites for miticide resistance testing |
| Required Accessory | Secondary sieve for sugar/mite separation |
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References
- Morgan Roth, Aaron D. Gross. Assessing Varroa destructor acaricide resistance in Apis mellifera colonies of Virginia. DOI: 10.1007/s13592-021-00901-6
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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