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Varroa surveillance tools and techniques

Varroa Surveillance Tools and Techniques

Educational varroa-monitoring
Key Takeaways:
  • Complete detection toolkit
  • Video demonstrations
  • Multiple method options
  • Scientific accuracy focus
Who Should Read: Beekeepers wanting comprehensive detection knowledge
What You Will Learn: How to use multiple detection methods to accurately identify varroa mites

Your Complete Varroa Detection Arsenal

When varroa first arrives, every test matters. You need tools that are reliable, well-understood, and scientifically proven. This comprehensive guide covers the four essential detection methods that form the backbone of professional varroa surveillance.

Think of this as your varroa detection masterclass. By the end, you'll know exactly which method to use, when to use it, and how to interpret the results accurately.

💡 Helpful Tip: During an outbreak, stick to proven methods. Experimental techniques might seem appealing, but reliability and sensitivity are your top priorities.

Method 1: Alcohol Washes

How It Works: Alcohol washes detach phoretic mites from bees, allowing you to count them directly.

Best For: Monthly surveillance when mite levels are moderate to high.

Limitations: Only detects phoretic mites. With low infestations, you might miss early-stage problems.

Recommended Use: Monthly checks for low-risk hive surveillance.

Method 2: Sugar Shakes

How It Works: Sugar shakes using icing sugar disrupt mite grip, causing them to fall off while encouraging bee grooming behavior.

Best For: Gentle monitoring when you want to preserve bee life.

Limitations: Like alcohol washes, only reliable with several hundred mites in the hive.

💡 Helpful Tip: Combine with drone brood inspections for maximum effectiveness.

Recommended Use: Monthly checks for low-risk surveillance, perfect for beginners.

Method 3: Sticky Boards

How It Works: Mites naturally fall off bees and get trapped on sticky boards placed at the hive bottom.

Best For: Continuous monitoring and early detection of low-level infestations.

Advantages: Samples the entire hive and can be left for extended periods.

Enhancement Tip: Sprinkle icing sugar on top bars to increase mite drop through grooming.

Recommended Use: Continuous monitoring for high-risk hives. Check and replace weekly.

Maximizing Sticky Board Effectiveness: Pair with knockdown treatments (like sugar dusting) to increase mite drop rates for better detection.

Method 4: Drone Brood Inspections

How It Works: Varroa prefer drone brood for reproduction. Uncapping drone cells reveals breeding mites.

Best For: Detecting reproductive varroa populations.

Technique: Use an uncapping tool to expose several hundred drone pupae. Look for small brown dots (1.5mm) – these are your mites.

Enhancement: Insert specific drone frames to encourage drone laying and concentrate mites.

Recommended Use: Monthly checks alongside shaker methods for comprehensive surveillance.

What to Do When You Find Varroa

Finding varroa isn't the end of the world – it's the beginning of your management program. Here's your immediate action plan:

  1. Don't Panic: Varroa is manageable with proper treatment
  2. Report Immediately: Contact state authorities and follow their instructions
  3. Isolate the Hive: Prevent spread to other colonies
  4. Plan Treatment: Choose appropriate treatment based on infestation level
  5. Monitor Closely: Increase surveillance frequency
💡 Helpful Tip: The goal isn't to achieve 100% detection rates – it's to detect varroa early enough to take effective action. A well-designed surveillance program using multiple methods gives you the best chance of success.

Summary of Key Takeaways

  • Four essential detection methods each serve different purposes
  • Combining methods provides comprehensive surveillance
  • Early detection enables effective treatment
  • Professional surveillance requires proven, reliable methods

Ready to Protect Your Hives?

Bee illustration

Ecrotek Australia provides the tools and expertise you need for effective varroa management. From detection kits to treatment options, we're here to help you keep your colonies healthy and productive.

Shop Varroa Treatments

Or contact our team today for personalised advice on varroa management solutions for your beekeeping operation.

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