VarroCheck

To ensure the health of your honey bee colonies, it is essential to regularly monitor and check varroa mite levels. If you’re not sure how to monitor varroa mite infestation in your colonies, VarroCheck is the answer.

VarroCheck is an accurate and reliable mite shaker, ready to go whenever you need to check the health of your bees.

Key Facts

• Highly effective, with mites falling through the filter basket to be easily counted
• Quick and easy to use – monitor your entire apiary in no time!
• Low maintenance
• No mess
• Suitable for sugar-shake or alcohol wash
• Robust, economical and long-lasting.

What is VarroCheck

Vita recommends regular monitoring for varroa mite infestation. At a minimum, this should be done at the beginning of the beekeeping season, and before, during and after any varroa treatment. VarroCheck offers an effective and accurate way to quickly monitor varroa mite levels in your colony.

How to use VarroCheck to quickly and easily monitor Varroa mite levels

1. Remove lid from bottle and use enclosed measuring cup to put one cupful of diluted alcohol (1 part isopropyl alcohol to 4 parts water) into the test bottle
2. Choose two or three frames from the centre of the brood area (preferably open brood) and check carefully for the queen. Do not use frame if the queen is present
3. Shake the bees off the frame into a large tub and allow any foragers to fly away, leaving only nurse bees
4. Use the measuring cup to scoop a full measure of nurse bees (this will be approximately 300 bees) and put them in the bottle, clipping it shut
5. Gently shake the bottle to wet the bees and euthanase any varroa mites
6. Open the lid and add enough alcohol solution to cover the bees. Clip shut again and gently shake and roll the bottle, trying not to cause any foaming
7. After one minute, open the lid and lift out the mesh basket, shaking off as much liquid as possible as you lift it
8. Look through the transparent bottle and count the number of varroa mites. Divide this number by 3 to obtain the percentage infestation level (i.e. if you count 6 mites, 6 divided by 3 = 2 so the infestation rate is 2%)
9. Check the acceptable infestation rate depending on the state of the colony and time of season and take appropriate action

The Advantages of VarroCheck

• Economical: hard-wearing and long-lasting

• Effective: quick and accurate infestation rates

• Simple: versatile and easy to use

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The best-selling all-in-one Apiarist™ beekeeping suit with detachable integral hood and ClearView™ veil.

Steps

1.       The FAM DISPENSER device is another effective option for treating Varroa.
2.       Follow the usage instructions carefully. Open the device's lid and soak the cloth with the formic acid solution you have prepared.
3.       Close the lid securely and transport it to your apiary to be placed on the hive.
4.       Treatment is performed after honey harvesting.
5.       Adjust the disc opening based on the ambient temperature, following the instructions included in the package.
6.       If the weather forecast predicts storms, postpone the treatment.
7.       Place the device upside down, directly above the brood area.
8.       In case of extreme temperature changes, easily readjust the device.
9.       Depending on the season, the application may last from 7-14 days.
10.    For optimal hive ventilation, open the air vents.

INFO

1.       Easy to use and adjust.
2.       Avoid installing the device during midday hours with high temperatures.
3.       Formic acid vapors act quickly on Varroa and within the sealed brood.
4.       Varroa mite drop peaks on the 2nd and 3rd day.
5.       Incorrect use of formic acid may lead to brood disruption.
6.       Vapors can cause fatal damage to the brood and bees.
7.       Occasional loss of the queen has been observed with treatment at high temperatures.
8.       Since formic acid is soluble in water, it may leave residues in honey upon examination.
9.       Avoid feeding during treatment to prevent robbing, as hive entrances are open.
10.    Ensure your safety by using protective glasses and clothing when handling formic acid substances.
11.    Do not wash the device at temperatures above 40°C, as it will be damaged.
12.    After treatment, the cloth may be wet due to the hive's normal humidity.
13.    Close hive entrances with sealed bottoms.
14.    Ensure good hive ventilation.

Steps

1.       The FAM DISPENSER device is another effective option for treating Varroa.
2.       Follow the usage instructions carefully. Open the device's lid and soak the cloth with the formic acid solution you have prepared.
3.       Close the lid securely and transport it to your apiary to be placed on the hive.
4.       Treatment is performed after honey harvesting.
5.       Adjust the disc opening based on the ambient temperature, following the instructions included in the package.
6.       If the weather forecast predicts storms, postpone the treatment.
7.       Place the device upside down, directly above the brood area.
8.       In case of extreme temperature changes, easily readjust the device.
9.       Depending on the season, the application may last from 7-14 days.
10.    For optimal hive ventilation, open the air vents.

INFO

1.       Easy to use and adjust.
2.       Avoid installing the device during midday hours with high temperatures.
3.       Formic acid vapors act quickly on Varroa and within the sealed brood.
4.       Varroa mite drop peaks on the 2nd and 3rd day.
5.       Incorrect use of formic acid may lead to brood disruption.
6.       Vapors can cause fatal damage to the brood and bees.
7.       Occasional loss of the queen has been observed with treatment at high temperatures.
8.       Since formic acid is soluble in water, it may leave residues in honey upon examination.
9.       Avoid feeding during treatment to prevent robbing, as hive entrances are open.
10.    Ensure your safety by using protective glasses and clothing when handling formic acid substances.
11.    Do not wash the device at temperatures above 40°C, as it will be damaged.
12.    After treatment, the cloth may be wet due to the hive's normal humidity.
13.    Close hive entrances with sealed bottoms.
14.    Ensure good hive ventilation.

Web platform: https://app.anel.gr/

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ANEL Bee ID for External Use in a Hive

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• Offers digital identification to your cells.
• It is built into the ANEL caps.
• Can be purchased individually and used for your old hives as well.

1. Remove the sticker on the back,
2. Gather it in whatever part of the hive serves you,
3. Fix it with a screw in the center.

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