Keeping track of the varroa destructor levels in your hives, and treating those parasites, is paramount to your success as a beekeeper, and your bee's ability to survive the onslaught of the bee viruses the mites vector. As we've discussed, in order to accurately and simply establish mite loads, you need to perform monthly checks.  We've attached a link here to a short educational video performed by Randy Oliver, researcher and beekeeper, and author of the web page Scientificbeekeeping.com.  The video is titled "Randy's Mite Wash Video". Randy's web page also offers an instructional aid on how to create your own inexpensive mite shaker. Please log on to Randy's site, use it as you wish, and feel free to make a contribution if you're so moved.

Thank you and Bee well.

Tom Makoujy, Pres.

Sussex County Beekeepers Association