The following was taken from the "Science of Bee Culture, Vol 3 No.1, March 2011
Preservation and Processing Methods for molecular genetic detection and quantification of Nosema ceranae.
Symptoms of nosemosis caused by N. apic are more easily observed in honey bee colonies which show large numbers of dead bees and diarrhea spotting at hive entrances evidencing digestive disorders of adults, mostly during winter and early spring.
Symtoms of N. ceranae infestations are less detectable and consist primarily of poor colony growth and dwindling. Nosema ceranae can reach high infestation intensities in both winter and summer.
Microsopic analysis of the midgut contents is the traditional method for detection and quantification of Nosema spores.
Almost every honey bee colony seems to have some level of Nosema ceranae infection.
Fortunately, honey bee colonies seem to tolerate a low level infection rather well.
Beekeepers have learned that only when the number of spores rises to about 10 million do the colonies need treatment to prevent damage.
Preservation fluids like formalin or isopropanol may inhibit quality DNA extraction and amplification.
Conclusions and Recommendations:
Placing bees on ice in the field and later moving them to a freezer is a cost-effective means of sample collection provides high quality samples for molecular genetict testing.
Sample size has an effect on results. Larger samples provided more consistant estimates of colony infestation levels.
For small colonies, we recommend sampling a minimum of 50 bees. For larger colonies we recommend 100 bees. One hundred bees will easily allow the determination of whether a colony meets economic thresholds for treatment as established at 5 or million or more million spores per bee.


Miller's has been processing samples of honey bees to show how weak or strong a hive is. We are using proven scientific procedures with the standard laboratory protocol to determine these three concerns.

The sample of bees must be at least 100 frozen honey bees. They should be taken from the hive itself. Do NOT take bees from the brood area. Pull a frame about two frames away from the brood that has honeybees on it. Take a jar and gently scrape the honey bees from this frame into the jar. Repeat the process until you feel you have collected 100 honey bees. If you use a 1/2 pint jar, there should be about 1 inch of honey bees in the bottom. Put the lid on the jar and place it in the freezer until you can arrange delivery of them to Millers Homestead.

Keep the honey bees frozen during transportation to Millers Homestead. Label the jar with the following information:

• Hive name or number
• Date
• Beekeeper's Name
• Beekeeper's Phone Number
• Beekeeper's Email

All procedures are done in house in a laboratory setting with modern lab equipment. The following checks will be done on each sample:

• Determine the number of Varroa mites in the Honey Bee sample
• Determine the number of Tracheal mites in the Honey Bee sample
• Determine if there are any deformed Honey Bees in the sample
• Determine the weight of the average Honey Bee in the sample
• Determine the pH level in the Honey Bee sample
• Determine the Nosema Spore Count in the sample
• A written report will be given to you. We will explain what we have found, and suggestions on what to do next
• By the end of the year we will be able to determine the protein content in your bees. The information obtained from the various procedures will give you a very scientific look at your hive(s).

The cost for the procedures is $25.00


To determine the condition of your hive(s), we suggest that you take samples between April and November. A minimal suggestion is to take two samples - one in May and the second in August. Multiple samples over a period of time will help determine the health of your hive and assist in management of your hive(s).

Millers Homestead will have the normal chemical medication and also an essential oil option.

When questions arise, please feel free to contact us by clicking on Jim's name - Jim

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