Keeping your bee colonies healthy is crucial for successful beekeeping, and one of the biggest threats to honey bees today is the varroa mite. These parasites attach to bees, feeding on their bodily fluids and spreading viruses that can devastate entire colonies.
The DIY Alcohol Wash Bees method is a popular technique for detecting and managing varroa mite infestations.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to conduct an alcohol wash, its benefits, and tips for keeping your bee colonies thriving. By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to protect your bees from this persistent pest.
What is the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees Method?
The DIY Alcohol Wash Bees method is a reliable and effective diagnostic tool for measuring varroa mite infestations in honey bee colonies. Varroa mites are harmful parasites that weaken bees by feeding on their blood and spreading deadly viruses, which can lead to colony collapse if untreated.
This method involves sacrificing approximately 300 bees to obtain an accurate count of mites, allowing beekeepers to decide if treatment is necessary.
Widely used by both hobbyists and commercial beekeepers, this cost-effective approach helps prevent colony collapse and supports the long-term survival of bees by offering a proactive way to monitor and manage mite infestations.
Why Use DIY Alcohol Wash Bees for Mite Control?
The DIY Alcohol Wash Bees method is a crucial tool for managing varroa mites, a major global threat to bee populations. This method provides an accurate mite count, unlike visual inspections where mites may be missed, by dislodging mites from bees for a precise infestation assessment.
This information helps beekeepers decide on effective treatments, such as chemicals, organic acids, or mechanical controls.
Frequent testing with this method is essential to track mite population growth, which often spikes during late summer. By monitoring regularly, beekeepers can intervene early to prevent weakened colonies and reduce the risk of winter losses.
Materials Needed for DIY Alcohol Wash Bees
To perform the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees test, you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment, but you do need a few key items. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
- Alcohol Wash Jar: You can either purchase a ready-made jar designed specifically for alcohol wash tests or create one yourself. A mason jar with a wire mesh lid works perfectly. The mesh should have small enough holes to keep the bees inside but allow the mites and alcohol to pass through.
- Alcohol: For the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees method, you’ll need alcohol to kill the bees and dislodge the mites. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) at a concentration of 70% works best. This strength is strong enough to remove mites while preserving the integrity of the bees and the mites for an accurate count. You can also use windshield washer fluid or soapy water, but isopropyl alcohol tends to provide the most consistent results.
- Measuring Scoop: Consistency in sampling is crucial. Use a scoop or container that holds approximately 300 bees. Half a cup is the standard measure. If you don’t have a scoop, a dedicated cup that holds this amount is an excellent alternative.
- Bee Brush or Frame Grip: This tool is essential for gently brushing or scooping bees from the brood frame into the measuring container. Beekeepers often use a bee brush, which has soft bristles designed to minimize harm to the bees.
- White Bowl or Container: After shaking the jar and dislodging the mites, you’ll need a white or light-colored container to pour the alcohol mixture into. The white background helps you see and count the mites more easily.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform DIY Alcohol Wash Bees
Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully conduct the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees test. Accuracy is key, so make sure to follow each step carefully.
Step 1: Choose a Frame with Nurse Bees
When performing the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees test, it’s essential to choose the right bees to sample. Nurse bees are ideal because they stay close to the brood, where varroa mites tend to congregate.
These younger bees are less likely to fly away when disturbed, making the collection process smoother. Select a frame from the brood nest, preferably one filled with capped brood. This ensures that you are collecting bees from the area where varroa mites are most likely to be found.
Step 2: Collect the Bee Sample
Once you’ve identified the frame with nurse bees, use your bee brush or scoop to collect around 300 bees. Brush them gently into your measuring scoop or container, being careful not to harm the queen if she is on the frame. Avoid selecting frames with the queen present, as this can disrupt the hive’s structure.
Step 3: Add Alcohol to the Jar
Next, pour enough alcohol into the jar to fully submerge the bees. The alcohol will kill the bees quickly, ensuring they don’t suffer. The alcohol also serves to dislodge the mites from the bees' bodies, making them easier to count.
Step 4: Shake the Jar
Seal the jar with the mesh lid and shake it vigorously for at least one minute. The shaking action, combined with the alcohol, will knock the mites off the bees. Be thorough with your shaking to ensure that all mites are dislodged.
Step 5: Pour Out the Solution
Once you’ve shaken the jar, pour the alcohol and mite mixture through the mesh lid into a white container. The mites will be visible against the white background, and the bees will remain in the jar.
Step 6: Count the Mites
Count the mites that have fallen into the container. This number will give you a good estimate of how many mites are present per 100 bees, helping you determine the severity of the infestation.
Interpreting Results from DIY Alcohol Wash Bees
After completing the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees test, the next crucial step is interpreting the results. The threshold for varroa mite infestation varies depending on the time of year and the overall health of the colony. Here’s a general guide to understanding your results:
- Low Mite Count (0-3 mites per 100 bees)
If you find fewer than three mites per 100 bees, your colony is in good shape. No immediate action is necessary, but continue to monitor the colony regularly to ensure the mite population doesn’t increase.
- Moderate Mite Count (3-9 mites per 100 bees)
If your test results show between three and nine mites per 100 bees, it’s time to consider mite control treatments. The exact treatment method will depend on your beekeeping philosophy (chemical, organic, or mechanical).
- High Mite Count (10+ mites per 100 bees)
A mite count of more than 10 mites per 100 bees signals a serious infestation. Immediate treatment is necessary to avoid colony collapse. Mites at this level can quickly overwhelm the hive, especially in late summer when the population tends to spike.
Best Practices for DIY Alcohol Wash Bees
The DIY Alcohol Wash Bees method is effective, but you can maximize its benefits by following these best practices:
- Monitor Regularly: Perform the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees test at least once a month during the active beekeeping season (spring through early fall) for continuous tracking of the mite population.
- Be Consistent: Use the same method each time, including the same number of bees, the same amount of alcohol, and shaking the jar for the same duration, to ensure comparable results.
- Treat Based on Results: Use your mite count to determine the need for treatment. Many beekeepers aim to keep the mite load under three mites per 100 bees for optimal colony health.
- Take Notes: Record each test’s results to track mite population trends over time, helping with future treatment decisions.
- Choose the Right Sampling Time: Conduct the test when colony activity is stable, avoiding times of significant hive disruption, like after splitting or moving.
- Sample Multiple Hives: Test each hive individually, as mite populations can vary widely between colonies.
- Minimize Bee Stress: Handle bees gently during collection, and take care not to harm the queen to avoid destabilizing the colony.
- Rotate Treatment Methods: To prevent mite resistance, rotate treatments when needed, and always follow product guidelines for safety and effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How Often Should I Perform the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees Test?
Regular testing is vital, especially during the active months. Most experts recommend testing monthly during spring and summer, and at least once in the fall before winterizing the hive.
Q2: Does the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees Method Harm the Colony?
The alcohol wash method does sacrifice a small number of bees, but this loss is minimal compared to the potential damage that varroa mites can inflict on the colony if left unchecked.
Q3: Are There Other Solutions if I Don’t Want to Kill Bees?
Yes, alternatives like the powdered sugar shake and sticky boards offer ways to monitor mites without killing bees. However, these methods may be less accurate than the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees method.
Q4: What Type of Alcohol Should I Use for DIY Alcohol Wash Bees?
Isopropyl alcohol, specifically 70% concentration, is recommended for the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees test. This concentration effectively dislodges mites while preserving both the bees and mites for accurate counting. Avoid using denatured alcohol or other chemicals, as they may not be as effective and could potentially harm the accuracy of the test.
Q5: Can I Perform the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees Method in Any Season?
While you can perform the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees test at any time, it is most effective during spring, summer, and early fall. These seasons are when the varroa mite populations tend to rise, so testing during these periods gives you the best chance to intervene before the mites reach dangerous levels. Avoid testing during late fall and winter when bees are clustering, as this can stress the colony during colder months.
Q6: How Do I Handle the Bees During the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees Test?
When handling bees, it’s crucial to remain calm and gentle. Use a bee brush or a soft scoop to collect the bees. Choose a frame with young nurse bees, as they are less likely to fly off and are more commonly infested with mites. Always wear protective gear, including gloves and a veil, to reduce the risk of stings, especially if the bees become agitated.
Q7: How Long Should I Shake the Jar in the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees Test?
The ideal shaking time for the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees test is around one minute. This duration is typically sufficient to dislodge all the mites from the bees. Make sure to shake the jar vigorously, but be cautious not to damage the jar or spill the alcohol. Shaking too briefly may result in an inaccurate count, as some mites may remain on the bees.
Wrapping Things Up
As a beekeeper, I know firsthand how vital it is to stay vigilant against threats like varroa mites, and the DIY Alcohol Wash Bees method has become an essential tool in my routine.
While it requires sacrificing a small number of bees, the insight gained is crucial for the overall health of the colony. By regularly monitoring mite levels, I can catch infestations early and take swift action to protect my bees, which brings me peace of mind and ensures my hives remain strong.
Using this method has deepened my connection to the health of my colonies. Each test reinforces my commitment to proactive beekeeping, and I feel empowered knowing I’m doing everything I can to support my bees.
It’s a small effort that has a big impact, helping me maintain healthier hives that contribute to the environment for years to come.
Source
https://pollinators.msu.edu/resources/resources/Alcohol%20Wash.pdf
