Protocol 4 — dead bees from the bottom board

Collect a sample of dead bees from the hive's bottom board for laboratory testing.

Materials

• Paper envelope (one per colony)
• Disposable gloves

Paper envelope only

Do not use bubble mailers, plastic bags, foil pouches, or glass jars — in those containers the sample will get mouldy.

Procedure

1. Gently mix the dead bees on the bottom board.

2. Collect ~½ cup of dead bees (minimum 30 individuals).

   If there are fewer than 30 dead bees on the board — collect all of them.

3. Rule: 1 colony = 1 sample.

4. Transfer the sample into a paper envelope.

Can't ship immediately?

The sample can be stored in a freezer until shipping.

Register the sample in the app

1. In the Apisense app: add → register sample → collection date → sample type = dead bees.
2. The app generates a unique test code.
3. Write the code on the envelope with a permanent marker.

Shipping

Add this sample to the package described in Shipping samples.