>So, would a proper evaluation process be periodic testing of the colonies
by using the alcohol wash?

Any comparative evaluation method can be used.  Even natural mite drop if
monitored over time.

  > One thing I hate about that is the killing of bees.

One colony dead from varroa = 50,000 bees killed.  At 300 bees per alcohol
wash, you'd have to do 166 washes to kill the same amount of bees.

>Any suggestions on how to proceed to do this would be appreciated.
>

Start with hives all with approx same mite levels, size, and strength.
 Check at a later time for honey production, and mark those with the best
production.  From that group, breed from those with the lowest levels of
mites.  Repeat yearly.


-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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