Alcohol Shaker Condo for Varroa Monitoring

Make regular mite checks part of your normal inspection routine with the Alcohol Shaker Condo from Hornsby Beekeeping Supplies. Listed within the store’s pest-and-disease testing range, this product is intended to support alcohol-wash monitoring for Varroa mites.

Alcohol washing is regarded as best practice for measuring Varroa levels in Australian honey bee colonies. Rather than relying on visual hive symptoms, a standardised sample gives the beekeeper a measurable result that can be recorded and compared over time.

Why Regular Testing Matters

Varroa numbers can differ considerably between colonies in the same apiary. For this reason, monitoring should be completed across a representative selection of hives rather than assuming that one result reflects every colony.

Current national guidance recommends using approximately 300 adult worker bees, equal to roughly half a cup, for a standard alcohol wash, soapy-water wash or sugar shake. Where Varroa is established, monthly monitoring is generally recommended outside treatment periods and very cold winter conditions.

A Consistent Alcohol-Wash Routine

When completing an alcohol wash:

• Collect approximately 300 adult worker bees from the brood area
• Confirm that the queen is not included in the sample
• Add the sample to the appropriate testing container
• Use the required quantity of alcohol or approved wash solution
• Agitate the sample according to current instructions
• Separate and count the dislodged mites
• Record the result for the colony and date
• Dispose of the bee sample and liquid responsibly

NSW guidance describes using 150mL of suitable alcohol or prepared soapy water, followed by repeated agitation and straining to improve mite recovery. The alcohol-wash method kills the sampled bees, so careful queen checking is essential.

Use Alcohol Safely Around the Apiary

Methylated spirits and similar alcohol products are flammable. Keep the testing area away from lit smokers, flames, sparks and heated equipment. Wear suitable gloves and eye protection, close the container securely and follow the liquid manufacturer’s handling and disposal instructions.

Product-Page Information to Confirm

The current Alcohol Shaker Condo page does not state its materials, dimensions, capacity, individual components or whether a separate alcohol shaker is included. These details should be added before publishing the revised copy so customers know exactly what their order contains.

Order the Alcohol Shaker Condo from Hornsby Beekeeping Supplies. For product contents, testing guidance or current availability, call 02 9477 5569 or email info@hornsby-beekeeping.com.