Lena Savoie
Alcohol washes are a method used to monitor varroa mite infestations in honey bee colonies. This process involves separating mites from a sample of bees using isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or non-foaming windshield wiper fluid. The bees are shaken into a wash basin and then transferred to a jar containing alcohol. The jar is shaken vigorously for 60 seconds, and the mites are caught on a coffee filter or funnel. The mites are then counted, and the data is recorded to monitor mite levels and determine the severity of the infestation. This method is accurate, fast, and helps beekeepers make informed decisions about mite treatment.
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What You'll Learn
Supplies and preparation
First, you will need to gather the necessary supplies for the alcohol wash. The key supplies include alcohol, a measuring cup, a bee brush, one or more brood frames with nurse bees, a small mason jar with a lid, a shallow plastic tub, and a colander. It is important to use alcohol with a concentration of 70% or higher, such as 91% or 95% isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol. You can also use soapy water as an alternative, by mixing 2 tablespoons of dawn dish soap per gallon of water.
For the equipment, a double jar shaker with mesh is ideal and can be purchased from a beekeeping supply store. Alternatively, you can make your own setup using two jars, one with a solid lid and the other with a mesh lid, a canning funnel, and a coffee filter.
Before you begin, it is important to wear appropriate protective gear, including a beekeeping suit or jacket, gloves, and a veil. This is especially important when working with bees, as they can become aggravated during the process.
When you are ready to start, select a brood frame with plenty of nurse bees. It is recommended to choose a frame with older larvae just before capping to ensure the queen is not included in the sample. Prop the frame upright and gently roll the jar down the frame to collect the bees, being careful not to squish them. Stop once the bees are barely covered in alcohol, and if needed, use a bee brush to gently brush a few more bees into the jar until you reach the desired amount.
The next step is to seal the jar and agitate it vigorously. This can be done by shaking, rolling, or swirling the jar for 60 seconds to several minutes, depending on the protocol you are following. The agitation helps to loosen and separate the mites from the bees.
With these supplies and preparation steps, you will be well on your way to performing an effective alcohol wash for mites. Remember to work carefully and follow the instructions closely for accurate results.
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Separating the bees
Alcohol washes are an effective method for monitoring Varroa mite populations in honey bee colonies. It is important to separate the bees and perform the wash correctly to ensure accurate results and maintain colony health. Here is a step-by-step guide to separating the bees for an alcohol wash:
Selecting the Bees
Choose a frame away from the brood nest to reduce the risk of including the queen in the sample. The bees with the highest infestation rate are typically the young nurse bees tending the brood. Select a frame just outside the brood area and ensure the queen is not on it. Shake the bees from this frame into a wash basin.
Collecting the Sample
Bang the basin on the ground to move the bees into one corner. Scoop approximately half a cup of bees from the basin. It is important to maintain consistency in the number of bees tested to ensure accurate results.
Preparing the Alcohol
Pour the bees into a jar containing 250 ml of alcohol. A concentration of 70% alcohol or higher is recommended for effectiveness. Set up a second jar with a canning funnel and coffee filter.
Agitating the Sample
Secure the lid on the jar and shake, roll, or swirl the bees in the alcohol vigorously for at least 60 seconds. This action separates the mites from the bees.
Straining and Counting
After agitation, replace the solid lid with a mesh lid. Turn the jar over, allowing the alcohol to drain through the coffee filter into the second jar. Shake the jar with the bees vigorously up and down with the mesh above the filter to catch any remaining mites. Turn the jar upright and carefully set aside the filter and funnel. Return the liquid to the jar with the bees.
By following these steps, you can effectively separate the bees and prepare them for the alcohol wash to monitor mite levels in your colony.
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Agitating the mixture
Firstly, choose the appropriate container for the wash. A pint jar or a specialised Varroa Mite Test Bottle can be used. Ensure you are wearing protective gear, such as gloves and a veil, to safeguard yourself from any stings during the process.
Now, you can begin the agitation process. Scoop around half a cup of bees from the frame, ensuring they are the young nurse bees tending the brood, as these are more likely to be infested with mites. Pour the bees into your chosen container, which should contain approximately 250 ml of alcohol (over 70% strength). It is important to use a funnel during this step to prevent spills and ensure the bees are contained.
Secure the lid on the jar and begin to agitate the mixture. You can do this by shaking, rolling, or swirling the jar vigorously for at least 60 seconds. This step is crucial for dislodging the mites from the bees. Remember to use a timer to ensure you agitate for the full duration, as it can feel like a long time, especially if you are processing multiple samples.
After the allotted time, replace the solid lid with a mesh lid. Turn the jar over, allowing the alcohol to drain through the mesh and into a second container. This step will separate the mites from the bees. Once most of the alcohol has drained, shake the jar with the mesh lid above a coffee filter to catch any remaining mites.
Finally, turn the jar upright and carefully set aside the filter and funnel. Return the alcohol to the jar with the bees and place the filter and funnel back into the empty second jar. This completes the agitation process, and you can now proceed to count and examine the mites that have been dislodged.
By following these steps for agitating the mixture, you can effectively separate mites from the bee samples and accurately assess the level of mite infestation in your colony.
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Straining the liquid
Preparing the Setup
To begin, you'll need two jars: a pint jar and a second jar with a lid. Place a canning funnel in the second jar and cover it with a coffee filter. The funnel helps to direct the liquid flow, and the coffee filter will catch the mites, ensuring they don't pass through to the jar below.
Shaking and Swirling
Once you have scooped your bee sample into the pint jar containing the alcohol, secure the lid and start the process of separating the mites. Shake, roll, or swirl the jar vigorously for at least 60 seconds. This agitation helps to dislodge the mites from the bees. You can also use a mechanical agitator to make this process faster and less tedious, especially if you're performing multiple washes.
Straining and Filtering
After the agitation process, replace the solid lid with a mesh lid. Turn the jar over, allowing the alcohol to drain through the mesh lid and the coffee filter into the second jar. The mesh lid will catch any remaining mites, ensuring they don't end up in the second jar. When most of the alcohol has drained, shake the bees vigorously up and down over the mesh lid. This will help dislodge any remaining mites, which will fall into the filter.
Inspecting and Counting
Carefully remove the filter and funnel and set them aside. Gently turn the jar with the bees upright. Now, you can inspect the filter for mites. Count the mites as you go, using a fine paintbrush to help visualize them if needed. Record the number of mites on a datasheet for future reference and monitoring.
Storing the Liquid
After straining and counting the mites, return the liquid to the jar with the bees. You can retain the alcohol for future alcohol washes, storing it in the original container or in a jar with a solid lid. This completes the straining process, providing you with valuable data on mite infestation rates.
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Counting and recording
Counting Mites:
- After performing the alcohol wash, carefully inspect the coffee filter or the filter paper for mites. If there is a lot of debris, use a fine paintbrush to move it aside and visualize the mites more easily.
- Count the mites as you inspect the filter. You can lift the bees out of the jar and look at the filter from below to get a better view and make counting easier.
- Record the number of mites counted on a datasheet or a record sheet.
Recording and Monitoring:
- It is recommended to maintain written records of mite levels. Record the date and the number of mites counted during each alcohol wash test.
- Perform alcohol wash tests regularly, ideally once a month, to monitor the mite infestation rate over time.
- Compare the recorded mite counts with published thresholds to determine if treatment is necessary.
- Repeat the alcohol wash and counting procedure approximately 10 to 14 days after treatment to verify the effectiveness of the mite treatment.
- You can also compare your recorded data with state-wide or national surveys and statistics to evaluate the health of your honey bee colonies and make informed decisions about mite management.
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Frequently asked questions
An alcohol wash is a method to monitor Varroa mite populations in honey bee colonies. It helps determine mite levels and decide if treatment is required.
First, shake bees from a frame into a wash basin. Scoop about half a cup of bees and pour them into a jar with 250 ml of alcohol. Secure the lid and shake the jar vigorously for 60 seconds. Then, pour the liquid through a filter into another jar. Inspect the filter for mites, counting them as you go.
It is important to monitor mite levels regularly, preferably monthly, to track colony health and plan treatments. Always wear protective gear when handling bees. Choose the bees with the highest infestation rates, typically the young nurse bees tending the brood. A portable agitator can also be used to speed up the process and reduce manual labour.
