October 21, 2016 at 4:05 p.m.
NPMS students test honeybee hives
NPMS students test honeybee hives
Varroa mites are external parasites that attack both honeybees and their young. They suck the blood from both the adults and developing brood. This weakens and shortens the bee's life. Emerging brood may be deformed with missing legs or wings. Untreated infestations of Varroa mites will increase and may kill colonies.
The first test students counted the number of mites on Mite Board that was placed under the hive for three days. A total count of the mites was used to estimate the number of mites in a hive compared to the estimated bee population in the hive (25,000 bees).
The second test was the Sugar Roll. A 1/2 cup of bees (300 bees) from each hive was placed in a glass jar. the jar had powdered sugar in it and a screened lid. Once in the jar. students shook the jar for about one minute releasing any mites that might be on the bees. The powdered sugar was then poured out of the glass jar into a bucket of water. The sugar dissolved in the water and students were able to count the mites and determine the mite to bee ratio. The mite to bee ratio is the determining factor in making the decision to treat a hive and reduce mite populations.
The students had fun while learning some pretty cool science. For more information on the honeybees at Northland Pines Middle School, contact Todd Wilfer at 715-479-6479.
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