Double Jar Varroa Mite Test Bottle

The Double Jar Varroa Mite Test is a two-chamber varroa mite test jar that measures your hive's Varroa load in minutes, so you can decide whether to treat before mites overwhelm the colony. Two clear jars thread together around a screened lid that separates the bees from the mites during the count, and it works with both the varroa mite alcohol wash and the powdered-sugar (sugar roll) method.

Features

• Double-screen jar design: two jars join at a screened mesh lid that holds the bees above while dislodged mites fall through to the bottom jar.
• Works both methods: run it as an alcohol wash for the fastest, most accurate count, or as a sugar roll when you want to return the sample bees to the hive.
• Clear mite reads: the bottom jar isolates the mites so they are easy to see and count.
• Reusable: rinse and reuse season after season; simple enough for a first-year beekeeper.

How the mite wash works

1. Collect bees: shake about a half cup (~300 bees) from a brood frame into the jar.
2. Add wash: add a half cup of rubbing alcohol for an alcohol wash, or powdered sugar for a sugar roll.
3. Shake: thread the jars together and shake for 60-90 seconds to separate the mites from the bees.
4. Count: invert to drain the mites into the bottom jar, count them, and divide by three for your infestation percentage.

Before you order

This is a monitoring tool, not a treatment. Once a wash shows your mite count is above threshold, follow up with a miticide such as an oxalic acid vaporizer. The alcohol-wash method kills the sample bees (about 300); the sugar-roll method lets you return them to the hive.

Pairs well with

• NoVarroa Oxalic Acid Vaporizer - treat once a wash confirms a high mite load.
• ProVap 110 Oxalic Acid Vaporizer - faster vaporizing for larger operations.

Specifications

• Use: Varroa mite monitoring (alcohol wash or sugar roll)
• Weight: 3 oz
• Dimensions: 3.875 x 3.875 x 10.25 in

FAQ

Does the alcohol wash kill the bees? Yes - an alcohol wash kills the roughly 300 sample bees but gives the most accurate count. To keep the bees, use the powdered-sugar method instead.

How many mites is too many? Many beekeepers treat when an alcohol wash shows about 3 mites per 100 bees (3%) or higher, though thresholds vary by season and region.

Can I reuse it? Yes. Rinse the jars and screen between tests and reuse it across the season.