> Macedo and Ellis (2002) proposed the use of inert dusts to dislodge mites from adult bees. In our work we have used two methods to assess mite infestation in adult bees. The first method consisted of powdered sugar, which was followed by washing with alcohol. Both methods were performed in the same sample of bees. 

> The results showed that the powdered sugar method dislodged only 34.29% of the mites in the sample, while the remaining 61.75% were dislodged by washing with alcohol. Our results differ from those of Macedo and Ellis (2002) and Dietemann et al. (2013), who found both treatment methods to be equally effective.

> In conclusion, our results showed that only the number of Varroa that fell over a 4-day period was significantly correlated with the actual mite population in beehives. The other methods we have evaluated could be useful for indicative purposes, but are not reliable for determining the total Varroa mite population in beehives.

Flores, J. M., Gil, S., & Padilla, F. (2015). Reliability of the main field diagnostic methods of Varroa in honey bee colonies. Archivos de zootecnia, 64(246), 161-166. Chicago	

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