Testing Resources

In order to diagnose problems found in hives it is often necessary to sample the hives and determine the source of the problem. TAIS can assist beekeepers in a limited capacity by checking nosema and varroa levels in hives. Beyond these tests it will be necessary to use outside labs to help diagnose problems.

TAIS Testing Procedures:

TAIS can run diagnostic tests to determine nosema and varroa levels in a hive. At this time we can only run 2 nosema and 2 varroa samples per year per beekeeper. In order to test a hive please follow this protocol:

  1. Fill out the submission form in pencil. Place in a separate plastic storage bag and put it in the mailing box. Submission Form
  2. For nosema testing: Collect a sample of approximately 100 bees in alcohol (isopropyl alcohol is acceptable) from the entrance or outer frames of a hive. Half pint mason jars work well for collection and transport. Jars must be leak proof to mail.
  3. Insert a label with your name, address, phone number and email address into the jar. The label MUST be written in pencil (pen or marker will wash off in alcohol).
  4. For varroa testing: Collect a sample of approximately 300 bees in alcohol from the brood area of the hive.
  5. Insert a label with name, address, phone number and email address into the jar. The label MUST be written in pencil (pen or marker will wash off in alcohol).
  6. Before shipping pour off excess alcohol and package jars in plastic storage bags to prevent leakage during shipment.
  7. Mail samples to:
Texas Apiary Inspection Service
2475 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-2475
  1. Once the tests are complete TAIS will e-mail the results to the e-mail you provide with the samples. Samples are run on a first come first serve basis. TAIS will make every attempt to quickly return results, but processing time may vary depending on workloads.

 Other Testing Facilities and Services:

The sites listed below are not associated with TAIS and may have fees for their services. Please consult the organizations directly with all questions.

Texas Department of Agriculture

EPA National Pesticide Information Center

USDA Lab Beltsville, MD

  • Test for: bacterial (American Foulbrood), fungal and microsporidian diseases as well as for two species of parasitic mites and other pests associated with honey bees (i.e., small hive beetle, Aethina tumida).
  • Website:

National Agricultural Genotyping Center

Cornell Chemical Ecology Core Facility

USDA-AMS National Science Laboratory

National Honey Board

Pollen Testing from Honey Samples:

Texas A&M Palynology Laboratory

Dr. Heather Thakar recently reached out to our office to let us know that she has re-opened Texas A&M’s Palynology Laboratory!!! It took some time to regroup after Dr. Vaughn Bryant’s death. However, they are again up and running. The lab and equipment have been updated and we still enjoy the benefit of Dr. Bryant’s unparalleled comparative pollen collection and library resources.  

They are accepting honey samples for pollen type confirmation, identification, and concentration values. All inquiries may be directed to Dr. Heather Thakar (thakar@tamu.edu). She will stick to the same submission procedures that Vaughn used (see below) …at least for the time being.  

She did have to raise prices, as he did not keep costs in proportion to expenses over the years. Anyone interested in submitting samples is welcome to reach out to her directly: Dr. Heather Thakar (thakar@tamu.edu) since they do not have a webpage up and running yet. 

Updated Information: 

SAMPLE requirements: 30-50 grams of fresh honey that comes directly from the hive and have not been strained or filtered.  Include important information about the origin of the honey sample (location of origin, local vegetation, expected or unexpected plant types). Knowing the origin will speed our analysis. 

SAMPLE processing time: Allow 1 month for standard sample processing, analysis, and report. Samples submitted close to holidays and University closures may take up to 2 months for completion. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.  

SAMPLE shipping: Send honey in well-sealed plastic or glass containers. Seal each container in its own individual plastic Ziploc bag to prevent loss or contamination.  

      Palynology Laboratory, Anthropology Department 

      Texas A&M University (TAMU-4352) 

      College Station, TX, 77843-4352. 

Per SAMPLE cost: $200 – $350 per sample, depending on specific analyses (pollen type confirmation or full pollen concentration values), sample origin, and whether expedited services are requested.  

           Local (Texas) Sample                 $200

           Domestic (USA) Sample               $25

           Hawaii and Foreign Samples           $300

           Expedited Services                   $50 per sample

Paleo Research Institute

This lab conducts pollen analysis on honey from across North America. They report to have the same capabilities as the Texas A&M Palynology Laboratory provided previously.

Mellifloral

Mellifloral is a small-woman owned business operated by Texas A&M graduate Dr. Angie Perrotti. They provide a range of honey and bee-pollen analysis starting at $75 per sample. Current turnaround time is <4 weeks. Each honey pollen report is hosted in a publicly accessible online database (with consent) and given a QR code that links to the online profile for easy sharing.
Their services can be purchased directly through mellifloral.com. After completing your order, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to package and mail your sample. Please email angie@mellifloral.com for more information.

The Penn State Honey and Pollen Diagnostic Lab

https://pollinators.psu.edu/research/the-penn-state-honey-and-pollen-diagnostic-lab

Our office recently learned that there is a Honey and Pollen Diagnostic Lab at Penn State. Feel free to check them out if you are looking for this type of service.

 

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