ALCOHOL/ANTIFREEZE WASH

[salvo]

Hi Folks,

2020 and 2021 were odd. Alcohol, if you could find it, was expensive. I had read where in 2020 and 2021 some beeks resorted to an Antifreeze Shake rather than an alcohol wash to dislodge, count and test for Varroa Mites.

I was recently asked about using antifreeze instead of alcohol to dislodge mites. Many people, myself included, have jugs of it on hand, unused.

I supposed it could work, however, the sweetness of the antifreeze may attract the attention of foraging bees.

What precautions might you suggest?

What say you?

Sal

[beesnweeds]

I switched to using clear Dawn dish detergent as suggested by Randy Oliver.  1 tablespoon per 1/2 gallon of water.  Just pour the soap into a half gallon jug, dont shake.  It works great.  I wouldn't use antifreeze.  It dislodges the mites better than anything else Ive used and kills the bees instantly.

[Ben Framed]

Im in favor of beesnweeds suggestion of Dawn over anti-freeze per the reason you stated Sal. (Assuming Dawn is just as effective in detaching mites from bees as alcohol). Anti-freeze 'seems' a little to much to me. l just don't know that I would be comfortable using it in this application for insects, especially bees that gather for food.. But; That is just my opinion, really I don't know!  lol 

[Acebird]

I was recently asked about using antifreeze instead of alcohol to dislodge mites. Many people, myself included, have jugs of it on hand, unused.

It doesn't matter until it comes time to dispose of the antifreeze.  One can only wonder why someone would have jugs of antifreeze on hand.

[beesnweeds]

(Assuming Dawn is just as effective in detaching mites from bees as alcohol).

Test results:
https://scientificbeekeeping.com/refining-the-mite-wash-part-4-comparing-the-release-agents/

[salvo]

Thanks Beesnweeds.

Sal

[Jim134]

     I have used Automobile window washing fluid. I also have used dishwashing soap... All I can say at work well for me..





            BEE HAPPY  Jim134   

[.30WCF]

Anyone tried gas?  Most folks have a gas can for the mower and wouldn?t miss a cup of gas. You could even strain it and put it back in the mower.


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[Michael Bush]

All this talk about killing bees has triggered me.  I'm going to go find a safe space to calm down...

[Ben Framed]

All this talk about killing bees has triggered me.  I'm going to go find a safe space to calm down...