SUGAR SHAKING BEES TO DETECT EXTERNAL PARASITES

摘要

Sugar shaking bees is a method used to detect external parasites, such as Varroa Mites, Tropilaelaps Mites and Braula Fly, on honeybees. It is a quick and easy field method that does not kill the bees. The method was developed by Paula Macebo, a graduate student of the University of Nebraska, and removes 70%-90% of Varroa present on adult honeybees. The sugar shake technique relies on the separation of Varroa from the adult bee, caused by the fine sugar particles. The Varroa Mite legs have sticky pads that help them hold onto the bees. It is believed that the fine sugar particles break down that bond, causing dislodgment. The sugar covering the bees stimulates grooming behaviour, assisting in dislodging the mites. The sugar-parasite mix is then separated from the bees and inspected for any mites.