Not sure why you wouldn't see large mite drops with OAV. I've always had huge mite drops whenever I use OAV. Are you sure you are using OAV correctly?


Vaseline is not harmful to the bees? Probably not. OK I will try that. Thanks.Maybe coat the paper with Vaseline to ensure any mites that fall on it aren't blown away by the wind or otherwise fall off before you can count them?
Scpossum is correct and I should have been more complete in my answer. As he said, the bees will stick to the Vaseline if you don't run a screened bottom board of some sort. Also, for the nonabsorbent material I use ("Coroplast," which is corrugated plastic sheet), I spray with olive oil to make the mites stick - easier to apply and clean up than Vaseline.Use under a screen board. Bees will stick to the vasoline as well if they can get to it.
I've sampled 300 bees or maybe more in a jar, added powder sugar, shake them above a water dish then count the mites. On the first round 2 weeks ago there were 7 mites. On the last one I had only 2. However, as you said 3% can be left untreated.How do you know the hive is 3% infected?
I've sampled 300 bees or maybe more in a jar, added powder sugar, shake them above a water dish then count the mites. On the first round 2 weeks ago there were 7 mites. On the last one I had only 2. However, as you said 3% can be left untreated.