Ghost Bees and Varroa Mites

Here's a blurry picture of the bee, covered with powdered sugar, flying away from the hive.

To see if any Varroa mites were dislodged, I set up an aluminum tray and put vegetable oil in it to keep the mites in the tray. I'll check today to see what the numbers are.

Then in 10 days, I shake the sugar again, as well as in 10 days after that. Then this phase of IPM will be done for me....on to the trachael mite - oh, the joys of fall beekeeping.