Detecting Tropilaelaps
Which detection methods work for beekeepers?
In 2023 PHIRA-Science research tested field and laboratory methods for finding Tropilaelaps mites in honey bee colonies. Some commonly recommended techniques worked surprisingly poorly, while others were highly effective.
Why does detection matter?
Tropilaelaps mites are one of the most serious threats facing honey bees. Recent detections in Europe have increased concerns about their potential spread. Finding mites early gives the best opportunity to contain or eradicate an outbreak.
Distribution of giant Asian honey bees (Apis dorsata) and the current confirmed distribution of Tropilaelaps mercedesae (correct June 2026).
We tested six detection techniques
We took six detection techniques commonly used to monitor for Varroa in honey bee colonies and tested their efficacy for Tropilaelaps detection.
Brood uncapping -
Check sealed brood for mites.
Icing sugar roll -
Roll 300 bees in icing sugar.
Sticky floors -
Insert stick floors into hives.
Alcohol wash -
Wash 300 bees in alcohol.
Comb bump method -
Bump a brood frame to dislodge phoretic mites.
CO2 monitoring -
Sample 300 bees with CO2.
Which method was most effective?
Watch videos of the detection methods -
Rapid brood decapping - a new effective method
One of the challenges with Tropilaelaps detection is that the mites spend much of their time inside sealed brood cells.
Traditional brood uncapping can be highly effective but is often slow and labour intensive.
Researchers recently developed a simple alternative using commercial depilation waxing strips. When the strip is applied and removed from sealed brood, hundreds of brood caps can be removed simultaneously, allowing mites to emerge and become visible on the comb surface.
In field trials, the method detected infested colonies in more than 90% of cases and required only 5 - 10 minutes per colony. The treated brood showed greater than 90% survival, making the technique both effective and relatively non-destructive.
Read the full paper or watch a video here -
This project was generously funded by Bee Disease Insurance. You can find out more about the work on the Bee Disease Insurance YouTube channel.
Dr Bajaree Chuttong of Chiang Mai University kindly hosted the team and supported our work.
This project was carried out in collaboration with the Animal Plant Health Agency's National Bee Unit and Fera Science limited and with the support of DEFRA.
