How to Check for Varroa Mites in Your Beehive

Varroa mites are a widespread problem affecting beekeepers in New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. These parasites latch onto bees, injecting saliva that transmits harmful viruses while also feeding on their body fats. Left unchecked, Varroa infestations can severely weaken colonies, leading to deformed wings, reduced lifespan, and colony collapse.

Early detection and treatment are crucial for keeping your hives healthy. Here are some effective ways to check for Varroa mites: 

1. Inspect Drone Cells & Bee Behaviour

  • Open capped drone brood and inspect for mites using an uncapping fork.

  • Watch for signs like deformed wings, indicating virus transmission from mites.

  • Bees crawling on the ground may signal a severe infestation.

2. Use a White coloured Board under a Ventilated Floor

  • Slide a white tray or Corflute board under the hive (beneath the mesh floor).

  • Spray edges with cooking oil or silicone to keep mites from escaping.

  • Leave for 24 hours and then count the fallen mites.

  • 5–6 mites/day is within the normal range — more than that signals a problem.

  • Works under both vented and solid floors (place directly beneath the brood box for solid floors).

3. Icing Sugar Shake (Non-Lethal Test)

  • Scoop half a cup of bees (approx. 200 bees) from the brood frames — avoid the queen.

  • Place them in a jar with a mesh lid and add icing sugar.

  • Gently shake for 40 seconds, then invert and shake the sugar and mites onto a white surface.

  • 1–3 mites = manageable, 4–5 = treatment recommended, 10+ = urgent action.

4. Detergent or Alcohol Wash (Most Accurate)

  • Use our new Oliver Mite Wash Cup and Beequip Mite Wash Detergent (high suds detergents work better than alcohol).

  • Add 10ml of detergent to 1L of water (1:100 dilution rate — very cost-effective).

  • Scoop half a cup of bees and wait a minute before swirling for 30 seconds to dislodge mites.

  • Count the mites at the bottom of the cup for an accurate infestation reading.

  • This is the most precise method — even one test per apiary can guide effective treatment.

  • Watch our video on using the Wash mite cup

5. Oxalic Acid Vaporization Test

  • Apply an oxalic acid vapor treatment and observe mite drop over the next 36 hours.

  • Use a whiteboard beneath your hive to collect fallen mites.

  • This method treats and tests at the same time — best paired with regular mite checks.

New – Pettis Test Kits Now Available at Beequip

We’re now stocking the Pettis Test Kit, a powerful tool that helps you identify whether mites in your hives are resistant to synthetic treatments.
This science-based method allows you to test treatment effectiveness, saving time and avoiding treatment failure. Ideal for anyone using amitraz or other synthetic controls.

Final Thoughts

Regular mite checks are essential to protecting your hives. By monitoring mite levels throughout the season, you can stay ahead of infestations and apply treatments when they’re most effective.

With tools like the Pettis Test Kit, Beequip Mite Wash Detergent, and Oliver Mite Wash Cup, you’re well equipped to monitor and manage Varroa — accurately and affordably.

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