How to Check for Varroa Mites (Alcohol Wash)

Learn how to check for varroa mites properly using the alcohol wash method — before they destroy your hive.

With varroa now spreading across Victoria, this is no longer optional. It’s a core skill every beekeeper needs.

In this video, I’m with Andrew from Australian Bee Supplies running through a real hive inspection and step-by-step alcohol wash test. We cover how to safely collect bees, what to look for, and how to interpret results so you can act early and protect your colony.

If you’re keeping bees — whether you’re just starting out or managing multiple hives — this is now part of the job.

This is practical, field-tested beekeeping. No theory — just what works.

Topics covered:
Varroa mite detection
Alcohol wash method explained
Hive inspection basics
Bee health indicators
When and why to test

Useful for:
Beginner beekeepers
Hobby farmers and small landholders
Commercial beekeepers adapting to varroa
Anyone managing hive health in Australia

Key takeaway:
If you’re not testing, you’re guessing — and that’s how hives get lost.

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#beekeeping #varroamite #farmlearning #hivehealth #australiafarming

Location: Victoria, Australia
Featuring: Andrew, Australian Bee Supplies https://australianbeesupplies.com.au/?srsltid=AfmBOorK3BvKaYOJfhNseSH9ajK52LkRsY4audWWfKvfM1lklI7QU6qX

Tools used: Alcohol wash tester, isopropyl alcohol, hive tool, smoker

00:00 Why Varroa Testing Matters Now
00:21 Varroa Spread in Australia Explained
00:45 Hive Inspection Begins
01:23 Finding the Queen & Healthy Signs
02:26 Setting Up the Alcohol Wash Kit
03:15 How Much Alcohol to Use
03:32 Selecting the Right Bees (Critical Step)
04:53 Measuring 300 Bees Correctly
05:25 Why Alcohol Wash Is Required
05:50 Shaking Process Explained
06:47 What Varroa Looks Like
07:41 Reading the Test Results
08:10 What to Do If You Find Varroa
09:05 Next Steps: Treatment & Management

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