Does my new bee package have MITES?

Varroa mites are a big problem with beekeepers everywhere these days. I usually treat in mid spring and summer, but I’m curious to see if this bee package I bought from a semi local bee farm has mites already. Typically mites aren’t bad til August and usually found on nurse bees working with and feeding young larva, but I’m just curious to see if the mites are already present!

[@rtxhoneybees]

Good deal. I think mites on bees in the early spring are rare. If they overwintered, they jumped in the first brood that was capped.

[@offshoot1008]

Why dont you take half a cup and then double the number of mites you find. Are the bees assessed for mites before the beekeeper is allowed to sell and obtain a certificate or licence to sell?

[@Jdban]

1 cup of bees is not that much. The more bees you take, the more representative your sample will be

[@andrewstancil1723]

Yes the seller is required to have a good inspection which means very low or no mites. So unless he got his package from a place that doesn’t get an inspection, then there should be no mites. Like his video shows.

[@coincollector315]

If they are coming from another state they need to be inspected by the state of origin and receive paperwork

[@coincollector315]

@@andrewstancil1723only from another state.

[@wishicouldspel]

Says which law?