The fate of your bee sample relies entirely on the testing medium used inside the shaker. If you utilized a liquid solution such as alcohol or windshield washer fluid, the bees are deceased and must be discarded. If you utilized a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) injector, the bees are simply anesthetized and should be returned to the hive to recover.
The method dictates the outcome: liquid washes are lethal procedures requiring sanitary disposal, while CO2 injection is a non-lethal method allowing the bees to wake up and rejoin the colony.
Handling Bees After Liquid Methods
Alcohol and Washer Fluid Solutions
If you filled the shaker with alcohol or winter windscreen washer fluid, the process is lethal.
The liquid drowns the bees and the mites to facilitate the separation process.
Proper Disposal
Because these bees are dead, they must not be returned to the hive.
Discard the deceased sample away from the apiary to maintain sanitation and prevent attracting pests or predators to the hive entrance.
Handling Bees After CO2 Methods
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Injection
If you used a CO2 injector, the bees are in a state of temporary anesthesia.
They are not dead; they have been rendered unconscious to allow the mites to fall off.
Returning the Sample
You can safely pour these bees back into the hive, typically onto the top bars of the frames.
They will regain consciousness as the CO2 dissipates and fresh air returns, usually within a few minutes.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Mortality vs. Recovery
The primary trade-off in varroa monitoring is between the preservation of the sample and the method of separation.
Liquid methods are definitive and result in the loss of 200–300 bees, which is generally considered a negligible loss for a strong, full-sized colony.
Monitoring Consistency
Regardless of the method used, the goal is an objective count to determine treatment thresholds.
However, beekeepers with very small colonies or nucs may prefer the CO2 method to avoid reducing the population of an already small hive.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To select the best path forward for your specific apiary needs, consider the condition of the colony:
- If your primary focus is preserving every bee (e.g., in a weak colony): Use the CO2 method so you can return the anesthetized bees to the hive.
- If your primary focus is standard sampling: Use the liquid method and ensure you dispose of the deceased bees properly to maintain apiary hygiene.
Consistency in your chosen method is key to tracking the health of your hives over the long term.
Summary Table:
| Method Used | Bee Status | Post-Test Action | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol / Liquid Wash | Deceased | Discard away from apiary | Precision & standard sampling |
| CO2 Injection | Anesthetized | Return to hive top bars | Small colonies & bee preservation |
| Powdered Sugar | Living | Return to hive | Minimal-impact hobbyist testing |
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