The first 3 in 1 varroa monitoring tool
Varroa EasyCheck is a practical tool for easy varroa infestation monitoring on adult bees.
Alcohol wash, sugar roll, CO2 injection… These 3 methods are now available in the same tool. It’s up to you to choose the method that suits you best!
CO2 injection
In the CO2 method, bees and mites are rendered unconscious by exposure to carbon dioxide gas.
The sample of anesthetised bees is then gently shaken in the EasyCheck, causing the mites to fall from the bees.
Advantages: fast and keep the sample of bees alive. Research conducted in Europe indicated results similar in accuracy to alcohol wash.1
Powdered sugar roll
With this method, the bees are rolled with powdered sugar, causing the mites to separate from the bees.
The EasyCheck is then gently shaken, causing the sugar and the mites to pass through the white basket’s holes.
Advantages : Inexpensive and keep the sample of bees alive.
Alcohol wash
Alcohol wash consists of immersing a sample of bees into alcohol and then gently shaking the EasyCheck to detach the phoretic mites so they can be counted.
Advantages: fast and easy, it is recognised as the most accurate, reliable and economical option for beekeepers.1-2
How many honey bees must be placed into the Varroa EasyCheck?
There are two lines on the white basket of the Varroa EasyCheck. The lower line corresponds to about 200 bees and the upper line corresponds to 300 bees.
We advise you to take 300 bees to obtain the most accurate results possible. In the case of weaker colonies, you can reduce this number to 200 bees.
You will obtain your infestation percentage by dividing the number of varroa found by 2 (if 200 bees) or 3 (if 300 bees). For example, if you find 5 varroa mites with 300 bees, you have an infestation percentage of 5/3 = 1.66%.
Want to purchase a Varroa EasyCheck?
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Need a quick understanding of what Varroa EasyCheck is? This leaflet will give you a super quick explanation so you only have to remember the essentials.
Complete guide summarizing the purpose of mite monitoring, and answering key questions on when and how to use Varroa EasyCheck.
Very complete PowerPoint presentation on infestation monitoring (why and how to do it?) and on the Varroa EasyCheck 3 in 1 tool.
Go easy monitoring your mites: New CO2 option for Varroa EasyCheck!
Veto-pharma made available the first ready-to-use “3 in 1” monitoring tool: Varroa EasyCheck. Alcohol wash, powdered sugar roll and CO2 injection. We are pleased to inform you that the injector and cartridge for the CO2 injection in stock now.
Varroa EasyCheck: now available in a “3 in 1” version
Varroa EasyCheck was developed by Véto-pharma in 2016 to provide an accurate estimation of the mite infestation levels in a hive with the alcohol wash method. Recent investigations in our apiary showed that the Varroa EasyCheck can be used equally with the sugar roll and CO2 injection methods as well.
Monitoring tool for beekeeper: Varroa EasyCheck
In addition to serving as Veto-pharma’s United States technical adviser, Phil Craft also writes a Question/Answer column – “Ask Phil” – in Bee Culture magazine.
References
1 – Efficiency of varroa monitoring methods, the benefits of standardized monitoring devices. Ludovic de Feraudy, Dr. Ulrike Marsky& Ph.D. Jiri Danihlik. – Apimondia 2019 proceeding.
2 – Honey Bee Health Coalition – Tools for varroa Management 7th edition, Page 7
Photo of the Varroa EasyCheck with alcohol
© Camilius Lay
ESY-46-EU-N01-01/22