Help with seeing mites?

[Propaniac]

I went into a hive that is just about dead and found many dead bees on the bottom board and many pieces of small comb and other debree , But can't seem to see any mites that may have been the cause of the hives outcome...can they be seen with the naked eye, thanks for any help...

[Sundance]

Varroa can be seen. Trachial can not without magnification. You can see the effects of TM if you pull the head off and view the trachia. It will have dark blotches if infested. The best is to put one under a scope.

[Michael Bush]

Here are some on a botom board.

http://www.tassotapiaries.com/Varoa%20mites%2003-2003%202.JPG

Here are some on a pupa to give you a scale of how big they are:

http://photo.bees.net/gallery/varroa/pupalmite_s

[Dave W]

Propaniac

>found many dead bees on the bottom board and many pieces of small comb . . .

"Many pieces of comb" and dead bees also could mean your hive was "robbed out".

Why do you suspect V-mites?

[Propaniac]

I am not sure what happened, but based on what you guys have helped me with, i didn't see any signs of varroa. I am planning on installing a new package of Italians in the hive saturday... Took the Russian queen out today and there were not many workers left... thanks for all the help on this board.. it is very helpful!

[Propaniac]

well... went for another inspect and there are in fact Varroa mites.. this was my first hive and didn't treat with anything...
thanks again...

[Dave W]

Propaniac . . .

With the "new package of Italians in the hive saturday", hope you monitor mite load often smile.gif

Here's what I found w/ my first package:

MITE COUNTS - 2003
Apr 12 – Installed 3# Package
Jun 1 – 0
Jun 9 – First Mite
Jun 25 – 5
Jul 27 – 14
Aug 7 – 21
Aug 18 – Apistan IN
Oct 5 – Apistan OUT
Oct 20 – 11
Nov 20 – 12
Nov 21 – 14
Nov 22 – 16
Nov 30 – 3.3 (26/8)
(Note: This hive died Mar, 06)

[ April 18, 2006, 10:33 AM: Message edited by: Dave W ]

[Propaniac]

thanks Dave... this really helps... hoping for a different outcome this year...