Practical Guide: 1.5.1 Measuring Natural Mite Fall

Measuring the natural mite fall is a simple method for assessing varroa infestation without treatment intervention. It provides orientation on the infestation level and supports decision-making regarding further measures. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.5.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.

Official Practical Guide – Summary

Practical Guide: 1.5.1 Measuring Natural Mite Fall

• Objective: Assessment of varroa infestation based on naturally fallen mites.
• Principle:
  • Recording mites that fall from the colony without treatment.
  • Evaluation over a defined observation period.
• Procedure:
  • Insert a clean monitoring board under the colony.
  • Protect the board from ants and other disturbances.
  • Count the fallen mites according to the practical guide.
• Informative value:
  • Provides an indicative assessment of infestation.
  • Comparison between colonies and time points is possible.
• Note:
  • Natural mite fall provides reference values and does not replace more advanced diagnostic methods.

► PDF of the official practical guide (DE)

► Official overview of practical guides (bienen.ch)
Note: Chapter 1.5.1 “Measuring Natural Mite Fall”.

Summary based on Practical Guide 1.5.1. Last review: 01/2026.

Learn more:

• Practical Guide 1.1: Varroa Concept
• Practical Guide: 2.8 Varroosis
• Varroa destructor
• The fascinating art of debris diagnosis