When it comes to Varroa mite control, a lot of beekeepers get stuck in the extremes. Either they go full chem-lab with every treatment under the sun, or they white-knuckle it through summer saying “I don’t treat at all, nature will sort it out.”
Here’s the truth: whatever you do with mites, if you don’t test it's just a guess.
And the sugar roll is a simple, cheap, non-lethal way to know what’s actually going on in your hive.
🐝 What Is a Sugar Roll?
It’s a mite check method that uses powdered sugar to dislodge Varroa mites from a sample of about 300 bees (roughly ½ cup). The sugar coats the bees and causes mites to fall off, where you can count them and get an idea of infestation level — then decide whether treatment is needed.
Bonus: the bees don’t die, they just get a little powdered sugar snack and go home smelling like funnel cake.
🧰 What You Need
You don’t need fancy gear. Here’s a basic homemade kit:
- A wide-mouth mason jar with a #8 mesh lid (or hardware cloth)
- A one-cup scoop (fill it halfway with bees)
- Powdered sugar
- A white tray or bowl (for counting mites)
- Optional: a mist spray bottle and a small tote for ease of use
Don’t want to mess with building your own? We’ll have CharlieBee Sugar Roll Kits available soon — still finalizing stickers and instructions, but they’re coming.
🎥 Want to See It in Action?
We’re putting together a short video showing the sugar roll step-by-step. It'll be posted right here on the blog and on our YouTube and socials — check back soon!
💬 Final Thought
You don’t need to know everything about mites and don't get caught up in the rabbit holes of squabbling comments on Facebook. You just need to know enough to act when it matters.
The sugar roll helps you do that. No guessing, no arguing with trolls online. Just honest info from your own bees.
Need a hand? Come to Beekeeper Chat this Saturday at 9AM, or stop by the shop and let’s talk bees.
— Charlie
#beeboy 🐝