Collect 50 to 100 bees from open brood comb. Recover mites by straining through fine screen mesh. Collect 100 live bees from open brood comb. Place in small cage with wire mesh bottom on white paper. Look for mites on side of glass jar.
Mites are reddish in color and uniformly shaped.
It is emphasized that bees sampled MUST COME from the brood nest, NOT the entrance. Although the possibility of mites being transferred from one hive to another by humans is considered slight, this cannot be totally discounted. Division of Plant Industry personnel are aware of this and especially prepared to carry out adequate sanitation procedures between suspected colonies. Should a beekeeper suspect the presence of Varroa in a colony, the best plan of action is to immediately notify the nearest apiary inspector or Chief Apiarist above for further advice on sanitation procedures. The most observed symptom of the disease is deformed larvae, pupae and adult bees which are usually thrown from the colony and can be seen near the entrance.