Well, fall is almost here and we are wondering what to do to assess our
mite problem (if any).
 
As you may recall, one trachael mite was found on some bees from the
windows of our honey house last fall.
 
Our wintering was the best ever; spring and summer were as good as one
can expect from such a cool season here in Alberta.
 
Now we are wondering what we should consider doing:
 
     Acarine is a definite possible
 
     Varroa is not yet here (as far as we know)
 
 
The questions:  What sampling should we be doing? (if any)
                What rate of sampling should we use?
                When should we sample?
                What methods should be used to evaluate the samples?
 
 
We bought a microscope, and it is very educational, but I can see that we
are not going to do all our own lab work and keep 1500 hives at the same
time.  Any advice for picking a sampling service?
 
How thorough are they?  Do they mix samples up?  What should we be
considering in making a decision?
 
Hope that a few people can offer excperience and insights  on this.
 
TIA
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper                        VE6CFK
Rural Route One   Swalwell   Alberta   Canada  T0M 1Y0
Email:   [log in to unmask]    or   [log in to unmask]
Futures, Art & Honey:http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka