The following matrices can be submitted for pesticide analysis:

            Honey and nectar

            Pollen (trapped pollen or bee bread)

            Brood

            Adult bees

            Wax

Following these steps to collect, prepare and ship samples for analysis:

1) Collect samples

            • Honey and/or nectar should consist of 2 ounces.

            • Pollen collected from pollen traps should consist of 2 ounces.       Bee bread samples     collected from within the hive should consist of pollen randomly collected from 30 cells.

            • Wax comb, foundation, or samples from blocks should consist of 2 ounces.

            • Adult bees and/or brood (dead or alive) should consist of at least 2 ounces.

2) Package samples

            All samples should be collected into clean, crush-proof, leak-proof, plastic containers (no glass please) and labeled (see note below).  Pollen and wax samples can be collected directly into. Sample containers of honey/nectar and bees should then be placed into zip-lock bags.

3) Label each sample

            Each individual container must be labeled using permanent marker. Each individual sample must have the following information on the sample container:

            Your name

            Date collected

            Colony number (or code) or batch designation (for honey or trapped pollen samples).

4) Freeze all samples

After collecting and labeling, place all samples in the freezer until time of shipping. All samples should be frozen at the time of shipping. This is especially critical for brood and bee samples.

5) Ship samples, data sheets and check

            Remove samples from freezer and place in insulated bag or small cooler with freeze pack (blue ice - the type used in picnic coolers). Ship overnight or second day to:

Maryann Frazier

Department of Entomology

501 ASI Building

University Park, PA  16802

Please DO NOT ship on a Friday or the day before a holiday.

            Include one data sheet  (below) per sample.

            Include a check made out to Penn State University to cover your cost.

            $100 per sample for full screening

            $45 per sample for miticide screening only

Please do not mail on Friday or Saturday.

Questions or concerns contact:

Maryann Frazier

Phone: (814) 865-4621

Fax: (814) 865-3048

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Data Sheet (include one per sample)

Beekeeper Name         ________________________

Address                       ________________________

                                    ________________________

Phone Number            ________________________

Email Address                        ________________________

Colony Identification (number or name)__________

Colony location           _________________________ (state and county)

Colony health at time of sampling:

Seasonal information (movement, excessive swarming, crops pollinated, etc.:

Why are you submitting these samples? 

Please include any additional information that you feel is relevant.