To use a three-part mite monitoring tool effectively, you must first partially fill the bowl with fluid, strictly isolate the queen to ensure her safety, and collect a sample of 200 to 300 worker bees. Once the bees are in the basket, the process involves a specific two-stage filling and shaking method to mechanically dislodge Varroa mites for an accurate count.
The Core Takeaway The alcohol wash is the gold standard for Varroa monitoring because it uses fluid to reduce surface tension and mechanically strip mites from bees. While it sacrifices a small sample of the colony, it provides the precise data necessary to evaluate treatment effectiveness and ensure hive survival.
Components of the System
Before beginning the wash, ensure your equipment is ready. The three-part tool is designed to simplify the separation of mites from bees.
The Three Parts
The tool consists of a clear plastic bowl for viewing the count, a white basket with specifically sized holes to hold bees while letting mites pass through, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent leaks during agitation.
The Fluid
You will need a washing fluid, such as rubbing alcohol (70% concentration) or winter windshield washer fluid. The fluid rapidly inactivates the bees and reduces surface tension, allowing mites to fall to the bottom.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Follow this precise sequence to maximize accuracy and efficiency.
1. Initial Fluid Preparation
Begin by pouring fluid into the clear bowl. Add only enough to cover the bottom of the white basket. Do not fill it to the top line yet; a lower level prevents splashing while you collect the bees.
2. Isolate the Queen
This is the most critical safety step. Find and isolate the queen, or inspect your selected brood frames with extreme care to ensure she is not present. The alcohol wash is fatal to the sample; accidentally sampling the queen will harm the colony's future.
3. Collect the Sample
Collect approximately 200 to 300 bees into the white basket. You can do this by scraping the basket down the surface of a brood frame (rolling the bees in) or by scooping from a tub of previously shaken bees.
4. The Two-Stage Wash
Secure the basket in the bowl and twist the lid on tight. Shake the tool once to wet the bees.
Remove the lid and add more fluid until it reaches the fill line on the bowl. Re-secure the lid effectively.
5. Agitation
Shake the tool for 60 seconds while keeping it upright. This physical agitation is necessary to strip the parasitic mites from the bees' bodies.
6. Quantification
Allow the mites to settle at the bottom of the clear bowl. Count the mites visible through the plastic. The fluid can be filtered through a screen and reused for future washes.
7. Calculation
Calculate the infestation percentage based on your sample size. For example, if you found 6 mites in a sample of 300 bees, your infestation rate is 2%.
Understanding the Trade-offs
While this method is highly effective, it is important to understand its limitations and costs.
Accuracy vs. Bee Mortality
The primary disadvantage is that it kills the bees in the sample. However, this sacrifice is generally viewed as necessary to gain an accurate picture of the colony's health, as this method is more accurate than non-lethal alternatives like sugar rolls.
Operational Mess
Handling liquids in the field can be messy. Spills are possible, and carrying fluids requires more logistical planning than dry monitoring methods.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
The way you utilize this tool depends on your specific management objectives.
- If your primary focus is Accuracy: Adhere strictly to the 60-second shake time, as rushing this step will result in undercounting mites and potentially missing a critical treatment window.
- If your primary focus is Efficiency: Pre-measure your fluid and bring a separate container to filter and recycle the alcohol immediately after counting, minimizing waste and setup time between hives.
Consistent monitoring is the only way to objectively verify that your mite control processes are actually working.
Summary Table:
| Stage | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Fill bowl bottom with 70% alcohol | Prepares tool for bee collection without splashing |
| Safety | Isolate the Queen | Prevents accidental loss of the colony's queen |
| Sampling | Collect 200-300 worker bees | Provides a statistically significant sample size |
| Agitation | Shake upright for 60 seconds | Mechanically strips mites from the bees' bodies |
| Analysis | Count mites & calculate % | Determines if treatment thresholds have been met |
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