In this video I test out one of the easiest and simplest methods for how to check for varroa mites and get a count. It's called the Sticky Board Mite Count method.

The Varroa Mite is a destructive pest that leeches onto a honeybee and literally sucks it's blood. Some believe the v.destructor is actually sucking out the honeybee fat, but either way, it slowly drains the life from the colony. Not only does it suck the life out of a bee, it also transmits viruses which can ultimately mean the early death of a colony.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways we can monitor our bees for varroa infestation in order to take whatever action we feel necessary or warranted. I typically use the sugar roll method for getting mite counts, however wanted to try the sticky board mite drop count method just to compare.

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Materials Needed
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- Sticky paste (Vaseline, Crisco, etc)
- Roller or paintbrush
- Cardboard paper (such as a manila envelope)
- Screened bottom board

Steps
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1) Take out the tray from the bottom board
2) Scrape and clear off debris from the tray
3) Paint sticky material onto cardboard paper/manila envelope
4) Place sticky paper into trace and re-insert tray back into the bottom board
5) Wait at least 24-48 hours and remove the tray
6) Count mites
7) Repeat multiple times throughout the beekeeping season to get a sense of mite loads increasing or changing

Thresholds
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MAY: Treat when 9 mites / 24 hr drop
AUG: Treat when 12 mites / 24 hr drop

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