Episode 204 – Varroa Week Continues: How to Test Mite Levels 🐝🛡️

In this episode we continue Varroa Week by getting practical with mite testing. We cover alcohol washes, dish soap washes, sticky boards, sugar shakes, and how to build a monthly testing routine that helps you stay ahead of trouble before colonies begin to fail. The new app is officially live: https://studio.com/beekeeperWhat’s Inside This Episode:• Colony 67 inspection report and giving a crowded four-frame nuc more space• Why expanding too early can risk brood chilling during cold nights• The real question is not if you have mites, but how many• How to do a proper alcohol wash using nurse bees for the best sample• Why dish soap washes can be a lower-cost alternative to alcohol• Sticky boards, what they can tell you, and where they fall short• Why sugar shakes are less accurate and no longer preferred• Building a monthly mite testing schedule and reacting to the numbersWhy Listen to This Episode?Testing is where many beekeepers fall behind. This episode helps you choose a method, use it correctly, and turn numbers into better management decisions.More Info:🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbeesAbout the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.Beekeeping For Newbees mobile app: https://studio.com/beekeeper Pre-Inspection Checklist: https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/pre-inspection-checklist/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy