If you don’t recognize what’s going on in this picture, it’s our mite check setup, with a Easy Check container, 1/2 cup measure, 70% rubbing alcohol, and a wash basin to collect bees. At the very minimum you should be monitoring for mites May-September (we monitor late March – October). Our counts (as they have been all spring) are 0, which doesn’t mean we don’t have mites–it means the counts are very low. With the infusion of package bees that are being hauled up from down south, I expect that to climb over the summer. I expect by July (or by August), mites may be evident. So, why check if it might be that way anyway? It’s all about avoiding surprises, knowing what’s going on, and being prepared to treat when necessary. Without a mite check, I’m only guessing…

Mite counts will not be perfect, and I never assume they are 100% accurate. This is why even low count colonies get treated sometime before late fall. The diseases carried by the varroa mites are the danger–even a few mites can spread those. If anything, one of the best benefits from mite counts happens after treatment, which can provide a sense of whether treatments are working.