EasyCheck - Varroa monitoring system

Recommended periods for monitoring:

LATE WINTER/SPRING/SUMMER - DURING THE HARVEST - AFTER THE HARVEST, always to understand the need/urgency for any treatment.

HOW TO USE:

METHOD WITH ALCOHOL: Fill with a liquid containing alcohol between 40% and 70% up to a maximum of half of the container and then take the bee sample with the container. Separate the varroes from the bees by gentle agitation for 60 seconds Count the varroes that have fallen to the bottom and estimate the infestation Quick and simple to use. The liquid can be reused up to 10 times. Recognized as the most accurate and reliable option for varroa estimation. Icing

SUGAR METHOD: With this method, the bees are dusted with icing sugar, causing the varroa to separate from the bees. The EasyCheck is then gently shaken, passing the sugar and mites through the holes in the white basket. Economic. It keeps part of the bee sample alive. The monitoring result may vary according to the experience of the operator.

METHOD WITH CO2: In the CO2 method, bees and varroa are rendered unconscious by exposure to carbon dioxide. The narcotized bee sample is then gently shaken, causing the mites to fall off the bees. Quick. Keeps the bee sample alive. Research conducted in Europe indicates similar results in terms of accuracy to the alcohol method. Requires the use of the EasyCheck Varroa CO2 injector

Calculation of the estimate of the infestation

- Less than 6 varroes out of 300 bees: we are below the safety threshold

- Between 6 – 15 varroes: it is necessary to treat quickly

- More than 15 varroes: treat immediately

How many hives to sample? 1-5 hives → all 6-20 hives → at least 5 20 hives → at least 8