In a message dated 96-02-22 23:41:13 EST, you write:
 
> I read an article that said that a sticky board
>could be such a devise.  The author said that screen should be put
>over the sticky board to let the bees walk on it , but allow the dead
>mites to fall through and be observed and counted.  Does any one know
>what size screen could be used to advantage?
 
 
    Hardware cloth - 1/8 mesh will do fine.  Put a half inch spacer between
it and the paper, and it won't even really need to be sticky, if the bees
cannot reach it.  Careful that you don't let the debris slide off, when you
pick it up. Sticky paper is expensive.
It's always surprising how much debris will accumulate in a day or two, if
the bees can't clean it up.  Get in bright sunshine to look for the mites.
 They will stand out, as they are shiny, the rest of the debris isn't.
 
>This information would may  not measure up to the caliber that I
>have observed be discussed on Bee-l so,  please send me the suggection if
you
>have a suggestion.
 
 
    Sounds like a good common sense question to me!    Good luck.
 
[log in to unmask]     Dave Green   PO Box 1200,  Hemingway,  SC  29554