Brett D Bannon wrote:
>
> I had been told of a simple test for varroa that involved putting a
> number of bees in a glass jar, spraying with ether (starting fluid for
> diesel engines) and shaking.  If varroa were to be found they would be
> seen sticking on the sides of the glass jar.  Is this a valid way for a
> definite test to see if your hives have these "critters"? How many bees
> do you need to sacrifice?  Also do you use older foraging bees from the
> front of the hive or would it be better to use young ones still working
> on the brood comb?
>
> Brett D. Bannon
> [log in to unmask]
The number of mites in a hive (during brood season) can be found by
counting them on the bottom
sheet in one day (24 hour