The more experience that I have with nosema, the less concerned I am with the parasite. The 60ml syringe can be purchased at any farm store. If you plan to take the scope into the field, purchase a battery-powered scope and a protective case (I like the knockabout aluminum case that can be carried in my truck).
EQUIPMENT NEEDED Equipment for lab or field testing of nosema spores. I hope in this article to guide you step by step through the entire process of monitoring for nosema.
#SPORE MICROSCOPE HOW TO#
Unfortunately, many beekeepers are intimidated by the thought of learning how to use a microscope, get frustrated due to unfamiliarity with the necessary techniques, or have trouble identifying the spores. It is far better to learn to monitor nosema levels yourself than it is to depend on sending the occasional sample off for testing!Ĭhecking for nosema infection level does not require laboratory expertise, and the cost of a good microscope can be quickly recouped by not wasting your money on unnecessary treatments. Now I’m going to move on to another common parasite-nosema-of which similar monitoring allows one to make informed management decisions. In my previous articles, I addressed the importance of monitoring infestation levels of the honey bee parasite Varroa. The only way to tell whether your bees are infected by nosema is by looking through a microscope. Although nosema does not appear to be the cause of dysentery, if infected workers defecate within the hive, it can lead to the transmission of the parasite within the hive. The photo above is a typical field sign of dysentery–apparently indicating that the workers are having a difficult time maintaining water balance, resulting in their hindguts becoming distended with excess moisture. Dysentery at the hive entrance–but not necessarily a sign that nosema is involved. The first common misconception is that dysentery is a field sign of nosema infection. It is greatly surprising to me that with the great interest by beekeepers in Nosema ceranae, how few actually make the effort to monitor the levels of this parasite in their colonies! Even more surprising is that, despite the considerable expense, many blindly treat their colonies without having any idea as to whether their bees are actually infected! Sick Bees – Part 13: Simple Microscopy of Nosema for Beekeepers Randy Oliver įirst published in ABJ November 2011–this article extensively revised in March 2019.
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