Alcohol Wash Mite Counting Kit
Various (Mann Lake, Dadant, Brushy Mountain) - Monitoring-Equipment
Overview
Alcohol wash mite counting kits include the essential supplies for performing an alcohol wash mite count: a wide-mouth mason jar or dedicated container with a fine mesh screen lid, measuring tool for a 300-bee sample, and instructions. The beekeeper supplies 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and a white basin for counting. This method is the gold standard for Varroa monitoring accuracy and is recommended by the Honey Bee Health Coalition.
Pricing
$10 - $30 USD
Specifications
| Sample Size | 300 bees (1/2 cup) |
| Accuracy | Highest available among monitoring methods |
| Bee Mortality | Sample bees are sacrificed |
| Required Additions | 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and white counting tray |
Features
- ✓Gold standard accuracy for Varroa monitoring
- ✓Fine mesh screen captures bees and allows mites through
- ✓Wide-mouth jar for easy bee collection
- ✓Recommended by the Honey Bee Health Coalition
- ✓Requires only isopropyl alcohol as an addition