A 70% ethanol solution serves as a critical mechanical and chemical detachment agent. When a sample of honey bees is immersed in this fluid, the alcohol dramatically reduces the surface tension of the liquid environment. This reaction, combined with vigorous shaking, forces the Varroa mites clinging to the bees to release their grip and sink to the bottom of the container for an accurate count.
The ethanol wash acts as a definitive census of a colony's parasite load. By chemically breaking the bond between host and parasite, it provides the most reliable data currently available for assessing infestation severity.
The Mechanics of the Ethanol Wash
Reducing Surface Tension
The primary function of the 70% ethanol solution is to alter the physical properties of the wash liquid.
By lowering surface tension, the solution prevents air bubbles or water tension from trapping the mites against the bees' bodies. This ensures that the liquid fully penetrates the sample, reaching every crevice where a mite might be hiding.
Separation of Phoretic Mites
Varroa mites found on adult bees are known as phoretic mites. They attach themselves securely to the host to feed and travel.
The ethanol solution acts as a solvent that facilitates the physical separation of these parasites. Once the surface tension is broken, the mechanical action of shaking the container dislodges the mites effectively.
Gravity-Assisted Counting
Once detached, the mites must be separated from the mass of bees to be counted.
Because the mites are denser than the ethanol solution, and no longer held by surface tension, they sink to the bottom of the collection jar. This allows for a clear visual confirmation and an exact count of the infestation.
Understanding the Trade-offs
High Reliability vs. Lethality
The reference explicitly notes that this chemical-assisted process is considered the most reliable method for assessing infestation levels.
However, users must understand the inherent cost: this is a destructive test. Immersing the sample of approximately 300 bees in alcohol is lethal to those specific bees. The method trades a small fraction of the colony's population for a highly accurate diagnosis that could save the entire hive.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
- If your primary focus is Accuracy: Rely on the 70% ethanol wash, as it is the gold standard for detaching the highest percentage of mites from the sample.
- If your primary focus is Colony Management: Use this method to establish a baseline infestation rate, allowing you to make data-driven decisions on whether treatment is required.
The 70% ethanol wash remains the essential tool for beekeepers who prioritize precise data over the survival of the individual sample.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Ethanol Wash (70% Solution) | Benefit to Beekeeper |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Reduces surface tension & acts as a solvent | Ensures 100% penetration to reach hidden mites |
| Mechanism | Chemical detachment + Mechanical shaking | Forces phoretic mites to release their grip |
| Accuracy | Highest reliability (Gold Standard) | Provides precise data for treatment decisions |
| Result Type | Destructive (approx. 300 bees) | Sacrifices a sample to save the entire colony |
| Counting Method | Gravity-assisted sedimentation | Mites sink to the bottom for easy visual counting |
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References
- Marie-Lou Morin, Pierre Giovenazzo. Mite non-reproduction, recapping behavior, and hygienic behavior (freeze-kill method) linked to <i>Varroa destructor</i> infestation levels in selected <i>Apis mellifera</i> colonies. DOI: 10.1177/10406387231172141
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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