How to Use Powdered Sugar for Mite Control for Bee Hives

How to Make a Sticky Board

• 1

  Use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of the bottom of the hive. Write down these measurements.

• 2

  Cut a piece of cardboard with scissors to these measurements. Cut a piece of screen to meet these measurements.

• 3

  Attach the screen to the wooden frame at the bottom of the hive with staples or clips. This screen will serve as the bottom of the hive while you're dusting the bees. It will prevent the mites from re-entering the hive.

• 4

  Use a spatula to coat one side of the cardboard with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil. Apply evenly. Place the cardboard under the hive. The mites will drop through the screen mesh onto the board, and will be trapped in the petroleum jelly or oil.

How to Dust for Mites

• 5

  Place the sticky board and mesh under the hive.

• 6

  Smoke the bee colony. This will calm the bees. Remove the cover of the hive and smoke the bees off the top bars.

• 7

  Remove the top frames of the hive and start with the bottom frame. Fill the sugar shaker or flour sifter with powdered sugar. Shake or sift the appropriate device over the frame. Replace the next frame and repeat until all of the frames are back in place and dusted.

• 8

  Use the bee brush to dust the top frame and crevices with powdered sugar. The entire hive should now be dusted.

• 9

  Allow 48 hours to pass before removing the sticky board. It will take the bees that amount of time to respond to the dust by grooming. The mites will not be able to hold onto the sugar-dusted bees and will slip and fall to the sticky board below.