Sugar Roll Kit

The Varroa Destructor Mite can greatly weaken colonies, potentially leading to their demise if left untreated. This sugar roll kit is an easy, bee-safe option to obtain a mite count, helping you understand the status of your colonies.

Usage

• Shake a frame from the edge of the brood nest into a plastic dish pan. Be careful not to shake the queen
• Scoop 300 bees (about 1/2 cup) into a wide-mouth mason jar
• Cap with 1/8 inch hardware cloth
• Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
• Roll the jar gently for about a minute
• Set in the shade for exactly two minutes
• Shake vigorously over a light-colored surface or bowl for exactly one minute
• Spray with water to dissolve sugar and show presence of mites
• Count mites. The infection rate is the number counted divided by 3.

Kit Includes:

• Spray bottle
• 1 lb of confectioners sugar
• Mason jar
• Screened lid
• Plastic dishpan
• Styrofoam plate