> Does a powdered sugar shake produce the same quality of results?

No.  It is very unreliable and can give very low counts on a seriously 
loaded hive.  Not recommended.

My favourite?  The 3 day mite drop.  It requires some interpretation, 
though, and a suitable floor and screen.  It is non-destructive, can be done 
anytime and tells quite a bit more than just mite counts.

That is not to say that a wash does not require some understanding of the 
season and amount of brood for interpretation. 

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