“Sugar Shake” Test for Varroa Mites

How to make use of the nonlethal “sugar shake” methodology to examine a yard residential beehive for a varroa mite infestation.

Varroa mites are one of many greatest threats to the health and long-term viability of a beehive.

For these of us who preserve honeybees within the yard, it is very important do routine month-to-month checks for varroa to make sure that all is nicely together with your winged buddies!

“Sugar Shake” Test for Varroa Mites

In this newest video added to my playlist on beekeeping, I exploit what is known as the “sugar shake” methodology for a varroa mites examine.

This methodology is taught by the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences on the University of Florida. (1)

The sugar shake is a nonlethal, nonharmful methodology to soundly examine your hive for a varroa mite infestation.

It entails 4 steps:

• Collect a half cup of bees from a brood body (be certain the queen just isn’t on this body first).
• Coat the check bees with 2 tablespoons of powdered cane sugar and allow them to sit for 5 minutes.
• Gently shake the sugar onto a white floor and depend the variety of dislodged mites. Three or fewer mites is taken into account a “pass”.
• Safely return the check bees to the hive.

Pros

The major good thing about the sugar shake is that it’s a fast and simple methodology for novice and novice beekeepers to maintain tabs on the health of the hive.

Another huge plus is that the check is innocent and nonlethal to the check bees.

Cons

The solely downside of the sugar shake methodology is that it’s much less correct in humid climate.

This is as a result of a high moisture content material within the air causes the powdered sugar to clump, leading to a much less correct outcome.

This draw back is definitely remedied by performing the check inside an air conditioned building.

Simply seize the check bees in a jar and transfer inside a climate-controlled room to conduct the rest of the check.

Failed Test?

If the check for varroa mites fails, then remedial motion to regulate the extreme varroa mites is a good suggestion.

This video on how one can safely deal with a yard beehive for varroa mites offers extra particulars.

Another various is to transition to brood frames with smaller hexagonal cells, similar to what could be present in wild honeybee colonies. Some analysis means that this may also help to short-circuit the varroa mite lifecycle with no hurt to the hive. This is a well-liked method by beekeepers who espouse a hands-off methodology for controlling varroa. (2)

There are different choices to contemplate for secure, nonlethal varroa management similar to utilizing a screened backside board (which I exploit). (3)

Another concept is to make selfmade pollen patties for the bees to supply further nutrition. A robust hive is of course immune to any infestation together with varroa. This is one thing I’m going to make use of myself and might be protecting in a later submit and video! (4)

References

(1) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences on the University of Florida

(2) An Integrated Pest Management Approach to Control Varroa Mites

(3) A Meta-Analysis Shows That Screen Bottom Boards Can Significantly Reduce Varroa destructor Population

(4) How To Prevent And Control Varroa Mites In Your Hive