The Oliver Mite Wash Cup

Designed by Randy Oliver of ScientificBeekeeping.com

Stay on top of Varroa mite infestations with this ergonomic, easy-to-use Varroa sampling cup. This simple yet effective tool helps beekeepers monitor mite levels in their colonies and make informed treatment decisions.

Features:

• Ergonomic Design: Compact and comfortable for easy handling during inspections.

• Complete Kit: Includes one fluid-holding cup, one bee sample cup, and one lid.

• Simple Process: Fill with  Beequip Mite Wash detergent (10 ml per 1 litre of water) or 90% alcohol.

How to Use - WATCH VIDEO HERE:

1. 1. Place the perforated cup inside the solid cup.
   2. Add water to the cups up to the fill line. (Approx 70mm from the bottom) Will be approx. 250ml.
   3. Add 2.5ml (half a teaspoon) of the  Beequip Mite Wash detergent and stir until mixed thoroughly.
   4. Alternatively use solution already mixed in bulk or alcohol with 90% strength.
   5. Take a frame of brood and bees from a beehive and carefully check that the queen is not on it.
   6. Shake all the bees off the frame into a container like a beehive lid (upside down). Carefully check again that there is no queen.
   7. Bump the lid so any field bees take flight and go back to the hive. There will be mostly nurse bees remaining.
   8. Shake the bees into a corner of the lid and collect a level 1/2 cup of bees (125ml) and dump it into the mite wash cup.
   9. Immediately put the lid on the cup. Gently tap cup up and down to ensure all the bees are submerged.
   10. Let the bee sample sit for 1 minute to allow for the mites to release from the bees.
   11. Then gently swirl the cups for at least 30 seconds to allow the mites to precipitate through the bees.  Swirl to resonate with the wave, just enough so that the bees at the bottom are gently tumbling.
   12. Remove the lid and lift the perforated cup out and dump the bees.
   13. Count the mites that have settled on the bottom of the solid cup. A 150mm 10x magnifying mirror placed 100mm below the cup will make it easy. (NB. Don't leave the mirror in direct sunlight. It can start a fire!)

Caution! Never shake a mite wash jar. Accurate results are only achieved if the wash jar is swirled to send the mites to outside of the jar and to drop through the bottom holes.