The primary purpose of using surfactant washing solutions is to chemically alter the physical properties of the liquid medium to ensure the complete detachment of Varroa mites from adult honeybees. By lowering the surface tension of the water, the surfactant weakens the mite's ability to adhere to the host bee, allowing for a precise diagnostic count.
Surfactants function as a chemical release agent. They break the surface tension that allows mites to grip the bees, ensuring that mechanical agitation results in total separation and a statistically accurate infestation measurement.
The Mechanics of Detachment
Reducing Surface Tension
The core function of the surfactant (detergent) is the reduction of surface tension within the aqueous solution.
Without this chemical alteration, water molecules cling tightly together. This creates a barrier that prevents the liquid from effectively penetrating the small spaces between the mite and the bee.
Breaking Physical Adhesion
Varroa mites maintain a powerful physical grip on their hosts. The surfactant acts to break this physical bond.
By making the water "wetter" (lowering tension), the solution slips between the parasite and the bee's exoskeleton. This neutralizes the adhesive forces that keep the mite attached.
The Process of Separation
Facilitating Mechanical Agitation
The chemical solution works in tandem with mechanical agitation.
While the surfactant loosens the mite's grip, it is the physical shaking of the container that dislodges the parasite. The chemical environment ensures that this mechanical energy is effective rather than futile.
Sedimentation and Counting
Once detached, the mites are no longer buoyant or adhering to the bees. They settle at the bottom of the container.
This distinct physical separation allows technicians to clearly see and count the fallen mites. This step is fundamental to calculating the infestation rate of the specific sample.
Understanding the Process Requirements
Reliance on Agitation
A common misconception is that the solution dissolves the bond passively. Surfactants require kinetic energy to work.
If the sample is not subjected to sufficient mechanical agitation, the surfactant alone may not fully dislodge every mite. This leads to undercounting and an inaccurate diagnosis of hive health.
Sample Processing
The method is designed for processing removed samples of adult bees.
Unlike visual inspections, this is a distinct procedure where a specific subset of bees is separated and treated to assess the parasite load for the wider colony.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To ensure your Varroa monitoring provides reliable data, apply these principles:
- If your primary focus is Diagnostic Accuracy: Ensure your solution contains an adequate concentration of surfactant to fully break the surface tension of the water.
- If your primary focus is Reliable Counting: Combine the chemical wash with vigorous mechanical agitation to force all mites to detach and settle at the bottom.
By leveraging the chemical properties of surfactants, you convert a standard wash into a high-precision tool for assessing apiary health.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Function in Varroa Testing | Impact on Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Surfactant Action | Lowers surface tension of the liquid medium | Allows water to penetrate between mite and bee |
| Chemical Bond Breaking | Neutralizes the mite's physical grip/adhesion | Ensures total detachment from the bee's exoskeleton |
| Mechanical Agitation | Provides kinetic energy to the solution | Dislodges loosened mites for sedimentation |
| Sedimentation | Forces mites to settle at the container bottom | Enables clear, precise counting for infestation rates |
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References
- Dalal M. Aljedani. Controlling varroa mites infesting honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) Using some essential oils and amitraz under colony conditions. DOI: 10.22271/j.ento.2021.v9.i6a.8870
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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