1 - How to Monitor, Sample, and Treat for Varroa 2 - When to Sample 3 - Sugar Shake 4 - Alcohol Wash 5 - Sticky Board 6 - Disclaimer

Alcohol Wash

Materials Needed:
70 % Ethanol (or isopropyl alcohol)
Measuring cup
Bee brush
1 or more brood frames with nurse bees
Small mason jar with lid
Shallow plastic tub
Colander

1. Measure ½ cup of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol and pour into the small mason jar. This will be the “fill line” to determine the quantity of bees needed.
2. Select a brood frame with plenty of nurse bees.
3. Prop the frame up or have someone hold it upright lengthwise. Starting at the top, gently roll the jar down the frame, being careful not to squish the bees. The bees will fall into the jar. Stop when the bees reach the fill line and are just barely covered in alcohol.
4. If the bees do not reach the fill line, select another frame and brush a few more bees in.
5. Place the lid on the jar and vigorously shake for a minimum of 60 seconds.
6. Place the colander in the tub and pour the bees into the colander. Shake the colander so that all the alcohol drains into the tub.
7. Check the alcohol in the tub. Mites will have fallen off the bees, through the colander and into the tub.
8. Pour the bees back into the jar and refill with new alcohol. Repeat the washing process a total of 3 times.
9. Count the total number of mites in the tub.

Supplies needed for Alcohol wash

Measure ½ cup of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol into a smaller jar or container. This will be the “fill line” for bees

Select a brood frame with nurse bees. Sample the bees directly into the alcohol by gently rolling the jar down the frame, the bees will fall into the alcohol. Stop when the bees reach the fill line.

After shaking the bees vigorously in alcohol for a minimum of 60 seconds, pour them into the colander that’s placed above the tub

Check the alcohol in the tub. Mites will have fallen off the bees into the alcohol. Repeat the wash with the new alcohol 2 or 3 times

 

Credit: All Photos taken by Mona Chambers

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