pest control

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

• Beewise Varroa Checker kit
• Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol) or Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol)

COLLECTION OF BEES

• Pour just enough of the isopropanol in to the Varroa Check to cover the bottom of the perforated basket.
• Choose a frame of capped brood and locate the Queen; isolate and protect the Queen.
• Collect a sample of bees and place it inside the basket to either the lower 200 mark or the upper 300  mark.
• When the desired number of bees have been added to the basket, twist the cover into place, shake once to immerse the bees in the isopropanol or ethanol to prevent them from escaping.
• Remove the lid and half fill the Beewsie Varroa Checker with isopropanol.

VARROA SEPARATION

• Replace the lid and tighten, and gently shake the Beewise Varroa Checker up and down for 60 seconds.
• You can shake the Beewise Varroa Checker vertically, from side to side, and rotate it to optimise separation.

COUNTING

• Count the mites by looking through the transparent bowl, or after removing the perforated basket containing the bees.
• After counting the mites, you can filter the isopropanol through a fine sieve into a container for future use.

PERECENTAGE CALCULATION

• If a 200 sample was used, divide the number of observed mites by 2.
• For the 300 sample, divide the number of mites by 3.