Monitor and control varroa mites
Varroa mites weaken and kill honey bee colonies. Count them on a schedule so you treat before numbers reach danger levels.
How
- Take a sample of about 300 adult bees from a brood frame. That is about half a cup, or 100 ml (UF/IFAS).
- Use an alcohol or soapy water wash, which kills the sample, or a powdered sugar shake, which does not. Shake, then count the mites that fall out.
- Work out mites per 100 bees: mites counted / bees in sample x 100.
- Compare with the Honey Bee Health Coalition thresholds (UF/IFAS table). During population increase, act promptly above 3 mites per 100 bees. At peak population, act promptly above 5.
- Treat 1 to 2 mites per 100 bees as a caution zone in the dormant season with brood, and act above 2.
- Choose a control with your local bee inspector or association, and follow the product label. Recheck after treatment.
- Record each count by hive and date so you can see trends.
Safety: Never give honey to babies under 12 months old because of infant botulism (UF/IFAS, NHS). Wear a veil and gloves when sampling.
Do these first
Sources
- How to quantify Varroa destructor in honey bee colonies (ENY173). University of Florida IFAS Extension, accessed 2026-11
- Honey bees: protecting them from pests and diseases. UK Government, GOV.UK, accessed 2026-11
- Infant botulism and honey (AA142). University of Florida IFAS Extension, accessed 2026-11
- Botulism. NHS (UK), accessed 2026-11