Double Jar Varroa Mite Counter – Honey Bee Mite Testing Kit

Monitor Varroa Mite Levels in Your Honey Bee Colonies with Our Double Jar Varroa Mite Counter

Keep track of Varroa mite populations in your beehives with the Double Jar Varroa Mite Counter, available from Innisfil Creek Honey.

Designed for convenient and effective Varroa mite monitoring, this practical beekeeping tool helps beekeepers assess mite levels using either the alcohol wash method or the powdered sugar roll method.

The Double Jar Varroa Mite Counter features two containers connected by a screened lid. The screen allows dislodged Varroa mites to pass through while keeping the honey bees separated from the collected mites.

Regular Varroa mite monitoring is an important part of maintaining healthy honey bee colonies and making informed treatment decisions.

Whether you're a backyard beekeeper or managing a commercial apiary, this simple testing tool is a valuable addition to your beekeeping equipment.

Why Choose the Double Jar Varroa Mite Counter?

• Designed for Varroa Mite Monitoring: Helps beekeepers measure mite infestation levels in honey bee colonies.

• Two Testing Methods: Suitable for alcohol wash and powdered sugar roll testing.

• Double Jar Design: Includes two containers connected by a screened lid.

• Screened Separation System: Allows dislodged mites to pass through while keeping bees in the sampling container.

• Easy Mite Counting: Collects separated mites in the second container for inspection and counting.

• Supports Hive Health Monitoring: Helps beekeepers assess Varroa mite populations throughout the season.

• Useful Before & After Treatments: Supports mite monitoring and evaluation of treatment effectiveness.

• Practical Beekeeping Tool: Suitable for hobbyist and commercial beekeepers.

• Reusable Testing Equipment: Designed for repeated use when properly cleaned and maintained.

Product Specifications

How Does the Double Jar Varroa Mite Counter Work?

The Double Jar Varroa Mite Counter uses a simple screened separation system to help beekeepers identify and count Varroa mites collected from a sample of honey bees.

The device consists of:

• Two Containers: One holds the sampled bees while the other collects dislodged mites.

• Screened Connecting Lid: Allows mites to pass through while retaining bees on the other side.

Depending on the testing method selected, mites are dislodged from the sampled bees and pass through the screen into the collection container.

The collected mites can then be counted to help estimate the level of Varroa infestation in the colony.

For meaningful results, use a consistent bee sample size and follow an established testing protocol.

Compatible with Two Varroa Mite Testing Methods

1. Alcohol Wash Method

The alcohol wash method is commonly used to estimate Varroa mite infestation levels in honey bee colonies.

An appropriately collected sample of adult worker bees is washed using a suitable testing liquid, causing mites to separate from the bees.

The mites pass through the screened divider into the collection container, where they can be counted.

Important: Alcohol wash testing is lethal to the sampled bees. Follow established sampling procedures, avoid collecting the queen, and use appropriate precautions when handling flammable liquids.

2. Powdered Sugar Roll Method

The powdered sugar roll method uses powdered sugar to help dislodge Varroa mites from sampled adult bees.

As mites separate from the bees, they pass through the screened lid into the second container.

This method is often selected by beekeepers who prefer a non-lethal sampling approach.

Important: The powdered sugar method can still stress or injure sampled bees, and mite recovery may vary with conditions and technique. It should not be assumed to be completely harmless or as accurate as every alcohol wash protocol.

Why Is Regular Varroa Mite Monitoring Important?

Varroa mites are among the most significant threats to honey bee colony health.

These external parasites feed on honey bees and contribute to the spread of harmful viruses, potentially weakening colonies and affecting winter survival.

Regular mite monitoring helps beekeepers:

• Identify increasing Varroa mite populations.

• Make informed treatment decisions.

• Compare mite levels before and after treatment.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of a Varroa management program.

• Monitor colony health throughout the beekeeping season.

• Prepare colonies for seasonal management and wintering.

Testing mite levels is an important part of an integrated Varroa mite management strategy.

Understanding Your Varroa Mite Count

Varroa mite infestation is commonly expressed as the number of mites per 100 adult bees sampled.

For example, if a sample contains 300 bees and 9 mites are recovered, the estimated infestation level is:

9 ÷ 300 × 100 = 3 mites per 100 bees, or 3%.

Treatment thresholds vary depending on the season, colony conditions, regional guidance, and management objectives.

Always consult current recommendations from your provincial apiculture specialist when interpreting results and deciding whether treatment is needed.

Ideal for Backyard & Commercial Beekeepers

The Double Jar Varroa Mite Counter is suitable for:

• Backyard beekeepers monitoring a few colonies.

• Commercial beekeepers conducting routine mite assessments.

• Spring and fall hive health inspections.

• Monitoring Varroa mite populations throughout the season.

• Checking mite levels before and after treatment.

• Beekeeping education and training.

• Apiary health management programs.

Important Testing & Safety Information

• Follow an established Varroa mite sampling protocol.

• Use an appropriate and consistent sample size.

• Avoid collecting the queen during sampling.

• Follow safety precautions when using alcohol or other testing liquids.

• Keep flammable liquids away from flames, sparks, and heat sources.

• Wear appropriate protective equipment.

• Clean and dry the testing equipment between uses.

• Use current local guidance when interpreting mite counts.

• Remember that mite testing estimates infestation levels and does not directly treat Varroa mites.

The Double Jar Varroa Mite Counter is a monitoring tool, not a Varroa mite treatment product.

Beekeeping Supplies from Innisfil Creek Honey

At Innisfil Creek Honey, we carry a selection of Varroa mite monitoring equipment, honey bee health products, beekeeping tools, and hive management supplies to help you maintain healthy and productive colonies.

Whether you're new to beekeeping or managing a larger apiary, regular mite monitoring is an essential part of responsible honey bee colony management.

Important Product Information

• Product: Double Jar Varroa Mite Counter.

• Includes: 2 Containers and 1 Screened Connecting Lid.

• Testing Methods: Alcohol Wash or Powdered Sugar Roll.

• Purpose: Varroa Mite Monitoring.

• Target Pest: Varroa destructor.

• Reusable: Yes.

• Alcohol: Not Included.

• Powdered Sugar: Not Included.

• Honey Bees: Not Included.

Shop online at innisfilcreekhoney.com for Varroa mite monitoring tools, honey bee health supplies, and beekeeping equipment in Canada.