□

100+ Years In Beekeeping

Free Beekeeping 101 Course

Search Login
0 Cart
Search
Account
0 Cart
Previous | Next

Ether Roll Technique: Unveiling Varroa Mites in Australian Beehives

  • 3 min read

Ether Roll Technique: The Quick (But Serious) Way to Check for Varroa Mites

How-to guide varroa-detection
Key Takeaways:
  • Super quick yes-or-no answer for varroa presence
  • Uses basic engine starter fluid (the ether kind)
  • Not fancy, but it gets the job done
  • Warning: This method sacrifices some bees (we'll be respectful about it)
Who Should Read: Beekeepers who want a quick, no-nonsense varroa check
What You Will Learn: How to perform an ether roll test safely and what those results actually mean

The Straight-Talking Varroa Test

Let's be honest – sometimes you just need to know: "Do I have varroa or not?" No fancy numbers, no complicated calculations, just a simple yes or no answer. That's where the ether roll comes in handy.

Think of it as the pregnancy test of varroa detection. It's not going to tell you how many mites you have (that's what the sugar shake method is for), but it will definitely tell you if you've got a problem that needs addressing.

Why This Method Works (And Why It's a Bit Intense)

The ether in engine starter fluid is like kryptonite to varroa mites. It makes them let go of their bee hosts immediately, so you can see exactly what you're dealing with. The downside? The bees don't make it through this test, which is why we treat this method with respect and only use it when we really need that definitive answer.

💡 Helpful Tip: Save this method for when you really need clarity. If you want to monitor regularly without harming bees, try the sugar shake method instead.

What You'll Need

The beauty of this method is its simplicity. You probably have most of this stuff lying around:

  • A jar with a makeshift mesh lid (window screen works great)
  • Engine starter fluid containing ether
  • About half a cup of bees from brood frames
  • A safe outdoor space (this is crucial!)
⚠️ Safety First: Ether is highly flammable and not something to mess around with. Do this outside, away from people, pets, and anything that could spark. Put out your smoker, close up the hive, and give yourself plenty of space. We're being extra careful here because nobody wants to turn their apiary into a fireworks display.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Collect Your Sample

Grab about half a cup of bees from frames with capped brood. This is where varroa like to hang out. Take your time here and make absolutely sure the queen isn't in your sample. That would be a very expensive mistake.

Step 2: Safety Setup

Move well away from your hive. Put out your smoker completely. Make sure there's no one else around, and double-check that you're in a well-ventilated outdoor area.

Step 3: The Ether Roll

Spray the starter fluid into the jar to coat the bees. Don't go crazy – you just need enough to do the job. Then gently roll the jar for about 30 seconds to make sure all the bees are coated.

Step 4: Check Your Results

Look at the bottom of the jar. Any varroa mites will have fallen off the bees and will be clearly visible.

💡 Helpful Tip: The ether works fast, so you don't need to wait around. If there are mites, you'll see them right away.

What You're Looking For

Varroa mites are small, brown, and oval-shaped – about the size of a pinhead. Against the light-colored bees, they're pretty easy to spot once they've fallen off.

Remember: This isn't about counting exact numbers. You're looking for a simple yes or no answer.

Reading Your Results

Here's how to interpret what you find:

  • No mites: Great news! Your hive is currently varroa-free
  • Any mites: Time to take action with proper varroa treatments

The beauty of this method is its simplicity – you either have varroa or you don't. No grey areas, no wondering if you counted correctly.

💡 Helpful Tip: Think of the ether roll as your "break glass in case of emergency" varroa test. It's there when you need absolute certainty, but it's not your everyday monitoring tool.

Summary of Key Takeaways

  • Ether roll provides immediate yes/no answer for varroa presence
  • Simple method using basic materials, but requires serious safety precautions
  • Best used for definitive diagnosis rather than regular monitoring
  • Perfect complement to gentler monitoring methods like sugar shakes

Ready to Protect Your Hives?

Bee illustration

Ecrotek Australia provides the tools and expertise you need for effective varroa management. From detection kits to treatment options, we're here to help you keep your colonies healthy and productive.

Shop Varroa Treatments

Or contact our team today for personalised advice on varroa management solutions for your beekeeping operation.

Next Article
Up Next

Icing Sugar Shake: An Easy and Effective Varroa Monitoring Technique

Learn the gentle, bee-friendly way to check for varroa mites using common household items.

#BeekeepingWithEcrotek

Search