EasyCheck

Description

Varroa EasyCheck: Easy and Reliable Varroa Monitoring for Beekeepers

Effective varroa mite management begins with accurate monitoring. Varroa EasyCheck offers a comprehensive solution by combining three reliable methods into a single, user-friendly tool. This versatility empowers beekeepers to select the technique that best fits their preferences and operational needs.

 

Key Features:

• Alcohol Wash: Immerse a sample of bees into alcohol and gently shake the EasyCheck to detach phoretic mites for counting. This method is recognised as the most accurate, reliable, and economical option for beekeepers.
• Sugar Roll: Roll bees with powdered sugar to encourage mites to separate. Gently shake the EasyCheck to allow sugar and mites to pass through the basket’s holes. This inexpensive method keeps the majority of sample bees alive.
• CO₂ Injection: Expose bees to carbon dioxide gas to render them unconscious. Gently shake the EasyCheck to cause mites to fall from the bees.

The Varroa EasyCheck is designed with durability and ease of use in mind. Its tight-fitting, leak-free lid ensures comfortable handling, while the transparent container allows for accurate counting and reliable mite sampling. Molded guide lines inside the basket indicate the appropriate number of bees (200 or 300) for sampling, facilitating consistent and precise monitoring.

 

Usage Instructions:

1. Select a Method: Choose between alcohol wash, sugar roll, or CO₂ injection based on your preference and available resources.
2. Collect Bees: Use the white basket to collect a sample of 200 or 300 bees (1/2 cup), preferably from a frame of capped brood, ensuring the queen is not included.
3. Prepare the Sample: Place the collected bees into the Varroa EasyCheck container.
4. Apply the Chosen Method:
   • Alcohol Wash: Add alcohol to the container, close the lid, and gently shake for one minute.
   • Sugar Roll: Add powdered sugar, close the lid, and gently shake to coat the bees.
   • CO₂ Injection: Introduce CO₂ gas, close the lid, and gently shake to dislodge mites.
5. Count Mites: After applying the chosen method, count the number of mites that have fallen through the basket’s holes.
6. Calculate Infestation Rate: Divide the number of mites by 2 (for 200 bees) or 3 (for 300 bees) to determine the infestation percentage. For example, if you find 5 varroa mites with 300 bees, you have an infestation percentage of 5/3 = 1.66%.

 

When to Monitor:

• Early Spring: Early detection allows for effective planning and timely treatments before honey supers are added.
• During/After Pollination or Honey Flow: Detect significant varroa build-up and plan possible intermittent treatments between honey flows.
• Late Summer/Early Autumn: Assess infestation levels to determine the most suitable autumn treatment, ensuring colony health before winter.
• Late Autumn: Evaluate the effectiveness of autumn treatments and decide if additional measures are necessary during winter or early spring.

Regular monitoring with Varroa EasyCheck enables beekeepers to make informed decisions, implement timely interventions, and maintain healthy, productive hives.

For further information read the full PDF here, or watch the video below: