Varroa Easy Check

The most accurate way to test for mites is to use a double chambered mite tester like this one with an alcohol or powdered sugar wash. Uses ~300 bees.

To Use with Alcohol:

1. Fill the outer chamber of your Varroa Easy Check up to the bottom of the white basket with Isopropyl alcohol. Remove the white basket for later use.
2. Use a flat clean surface near your hive to shake 1-2 frames of house bees (make absolutely sure your queen is NOT on these frames)
3. Wait a few minutes for foragers to vacate the surface. Young house bees will not fly. 
4. Use a bee brush to scoop about 1 cup of bees into the white basket of your Varroa Easy Check.
5. Replace the basket with bees into your Isopropyl-filled outer chamber and close the lid 
6. Shake until well mixed. Mites will die and fall through the basket into the outer chamber. This step will also kill the bees, but an accurate mite count will save thousands of their sisters!
7. Open the lid to ensure bees are up to the fill line. Add additional bees if necessary for accurate results and repeat Steps 4-7.
8. Count the mites that have fallen into the outer chamber. 3 or more mites indicates that treatment should follow your mite check.