Varroa Testing
PostPosted:04 Jun 2019, 14:35
I have a mite drop of zero.
I’ve been testing by inserting the bottom board for 24 hours, evening to evening, and checking for mites.
So far, none in 4 weeks since I picked up my nuc.
For what it’s worth, I have a few (2-4?) ants on the bottom board at any one time, ants around the base of the hive and a few ants warming brood above the crown board.
They could be harvesting any mites that drop, but it’s just a guess.
What do you feel is the best way to check for mites?
Should I invest in a shaker and try either powdered sugar (more humane?) or alcohol (more accurate?) test; just be happy that I bought a clean nuc and nothing on the bottom board; or try something else?
I’m caught in that conundrum of not wanting to be paranoid vs not wanting to be lazy.
Thanks!
I’ve been testing by inserting the bottom board for 24 hours, evening to evening, and checking for mites.
So far, none in 4 weeks since I picked up my nuc.
For what it’s worth, I have a few (2-4?) ants on the bottom board at any one time, ants around the base of the hive and a few ants warming brood above the crown board.
They could be harvesting any mites that drop, but it’s just a guess.
What do you feel is the best way to check for mites?
Should I invest in a shaker and try either powdered sugar (more humane?) or alcohol (more accurate?) test; just be happy that I bought a clean nuc and nothing on the bottom board; or try something else?
I’m caught in that conundrum of not wanting to be paranoid vs not wanting to be lazy.
Thanks!