From Charles -  If your looking to count mites,  Sugar in a solid jar shaker is about 80% effective.  


I am curious where you get the 80% number and its significance.  I have assumed the mite count represents about 1/3 of the actual number in the sample. That is sufficient for my uses.

 I use the sugar shake regularly with a sample of 300 bees.  I am not as worried about the total number of mites as the trajectory.  I get counts of 2 to 5 for a time and them generally suddenly get 20 or 30.  I know the end is near if I do not take action.

After I dump the sugar and mites, I invert the large mouth jar I use on top of the frames.  In general, the bees don't fly.  They promptly crawl down between the frames.  Seldom is there an upset.

Larry Krengel

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