Identifying and Treating Varroa

1. Varroa mites are the biggest parasites in the world, relative to their host. The size ratio of honey bee to varroa mite is equivalent to that of a human to a basketball.


2. Varroa mites are the number one killer of honey bees globally.

3. A simple, effective and accurate method for treating varroa is the alcohol wash method.
   "The test is carried out as follows:

• Use a wide-mouth glass jar and scoop about 300 bees (~1 cup) from the brood area. Make sure that the queen is NOT included!
• Add 50 ml (~ 2 oz) of windshield wiper fluid (or diluted methyl hydrate, or rubbing alcohol) to the jar and shake for several minutes.
• Remove lid and pour contents into a container covered with light metal wire-mesh screen (8 mesh/in) or a coarse sieve. Repeat.
• Pour alcohol solution into a second container covered with cheesecloth or fine sieve. Count number of mites." - Agricultural Factsheet #222

Do varroa mites only prey on bees? Or do they also go for other insects? Possibly ants?