The Varroa Mite Counter Jar is a simple and effective tool for monitoring mite levels in your hive. We love this model as the favourite in our bee yard. The narrow opening allows easy ‘scooping’ and retention of bees for efficient testing.
To use, fill the bottom jar with 50–100 ml of rubbing alcohol or windshield washer fluid. Add approximately ½ cup of bees (about 300 bees), then gently shake for about 90 seconds. The liquid dislodges the mites from the bees, allowing them to fall through and collect in the bottom chamber of the jar.
Once complete, the mites can be easily seen and counted in the lower jar to assess infestation levels.
This jar can also be used with the sugar roll method as an alternative testing technique.
Ontario Beekeepers Association treatment guidelines: https://www.ontariobee.com/sites/ontariobee.com/files/Treatment%20Recommendations%202017-11-02.pdf
