Mite roll

[TJ]

Does anybody check for mites by doing the ether roll in a jar? I did one this weekend and found one mite on about 20 bees. I know I am supposed to test more bees than that, but I had trouble getting them to stay in the dang jar :) . Well, one mite on 20 bees doesn't seem like too heavy of an infestation, so I think I will forego any treatment this fall. I may do another roll in a week or two to see if I get similar results.

[Anonymous]

You need to test with more bees. About 1/2 pint. To get them make yourself a paper funnel. Shake bees into the funnel from a frame. You should get more than you need this way - just let the excess esacpe.

[ibeecanadian]

im going to try this out come spring, but i think ill use icing sugar instead. in not totaly shure what ether is... isnt it a gas or something to that efect?

[BigRog]

ether is a liquid, a VERY flammable, Much more than gasoline.
And it can be hard to get as it can be used in processing drugs.

[BigRog]

Did I say very flammable?

[ibeecanadian]

o.k, so i guess it should be kept away from the smoker :shock:  
so it kinda sounds like icing sugar would be better, im just thinking of the poor bee's in the jar. sounds like they would have a better chance of survival after the prosses. has anyone tried both ways? do you get the same results with ether as you would with icing sugar?

[Robo]

Starter fluid used for diesel engines,  get it at your local auto parts store.  Though I would suggest a less dangerous method, there are plenty of them out there.

[TwT]

Starter fluid used for diesel engines,  get it at your local auto parts store.  Though I would suggest a less dangerous method, there are plenty of them out there.

Ether starter fluid in a spray can is easy. Ether Roll

[organicfarmer]

The only problem with the ether roll method: it kills all bees in the jar immediately  :(
i switched to confection sugar roll. Bees love me for it now