Using the Varroa EasyCheck involves a straightforward, six-step process for accurately measuring mite levels in a honey bee colony. You will add a washing fluid to the device, collect a sample of 200 or 300 bees after ensuring the queen is not present, shake the sealed device for 60 seconds to dislodge the mites, count the mites that fall into the transparent base, and then calculate your infestation percentage.
The Varroa EasyCheck is not just a tool for counting mites; it is a system for making data-driven decisions. By providing a rapid, reliable, and repeatable method for quantifying your colony's Varroa load, it empowers you to intervene with treatments precisely when needed, avoiding unnecessary chemical use and preventing colony collapse.
Why Standardized Mite Counting is Essential
Relying on visual inspection or less precise methods for Varroa mite counting can lead to a false sense of security. The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) reproduces within capped brood cells, meaning the visible "phoretic" mites on adult bees represent only a fraction of the total infestation.
The Problem with Guesswork
An inaccurate mite count can cause a beekeeper to miss the critical window for treatment. By the time symptoms of infestation become obvious (such as deformed wing virus), the colony's health is already severely compromised and may be beyond saving.
The Advantage of the Alcohol Wash
The alcohol wash method, which the Varroa EasyCheck is designed for, is widely considered the gold standard for accuracy. It provides a definitive number that directly informs your management strategy.
Repeatability and Confidence
The device's built-in measuring lines for 200 or 300 bees and its efficient design ensure you can perform the exact same test consistently across all your hives and throughout the season. This repeatability is key to tracking trends and verifying the effectiveness of your treatments.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Varroa EasyCheck
Follow these steps precisely to ensure an accurate and reliable mite count.
Step 1: Prepare the Device
Before heading to your apiary, pour your chosen washing liquid into the transparent bowl up to the pre-marked level. You can use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or winter-grade windshield washer fluid. The fluid can be filtered and reused for multiple tests.
Step 2: Ensure the Queen is Safe
This is the most critical preliminary step. You must locate and isolate the queen before collecting your bee sample. Place the frame she is on in a separate nucleus box or back in the hive, ensuring she cannot be accidentally scooped up. Losing a queen would be a catastrophic error.
Step 3: Collect the Bee Sample
Identify a frame from the brood box that contains open brood, as this is where nurse bees, the primary carriers of Varroa mites, are concentrated. Collect approximately 200 or 300 bees by scraping the EasyCheck's basket upwards over the frame. The two molded lines inside the basket provide accurate volume measurements.
Step 4: Dislodge the Mites
Secure the tight-fitting lid and shake the device with moderate force for exactly 60 seconds. The combination of the liquid and the shaking motion causes the mites to release their grip on the bees and fall through the holes in the basket.
Step 5: Count the Dislodged Mites
After shaking, the mites will have collected in the liquid at the bottom of the transparent bowl. Simply unscrew the basket and count the mites. The clear base makes this process simple and quick.
Step 6: Calculate the Infestation Level
To determine your percentage of infestation, use this simple formula: (Number of Mites / Number of Bees Sampled) x 100. For example, if you counted 6 mites in a 300-bee sample, your calculation would be (6 / 300) x 100 = 2% infestation.
Understanding the Trade-offs
No monitoring method is without its compromises. Being objective about the process is key to responsible beekeeping.
The Sacrifice of the Sample
The primary trade-off of the alcohol wash method is that the sample of 200 or 300 bees is killed in the process. While this is a small and sustainable loss for a healthy colony, it is an important factor to acknowledge.
Accuracy vs. Bee Mortality
The reason this method is trusted by researchers and professional apiarists is its unmatched accuracy. The sacrifice of a small number of bees is weighed against the potential loss of the entire colony if a severe Varroa infestation goes untreated. The data gained is often considered well worth the cost.
Making an Informed Treatment Decision
The number you calculate is not just a statistic; it is an actionable data point that tells you when to act.
- If your primary focus is routine monitoring: Perform a Varroa check in early spring, mid-summer, and fall to establish a baseline and understand your apiary's mite population dynamics.
- If your primary focus is deciding when to treat: Use the calculated infestation percentage to determine if you have crossed the established treatment threshold (typically 2-3% during the active season).
By replacing guesswork with precise data, you gain direct control over the health and productivity of your colonies.
Summary Table:
| Step | Key Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare Washing Fluid | Creates the medium to dislodge and count mites. |
| 2 | Isolate the Queen | Prevents the catastrophic loss of your colony's queen. |
| 3 | Collect 200/300 Bees | Gathers a standardized sample for an accurate percentage. |
| 4 | Shake for 60 Seconds | Dislodges phoretic mites from the bee sample. |
| 5 | Count Mites in Base | Provides the raw data for your infestation calculation. |
| 6 | Calculate Infestation % | (Mites / Bees) x 100 gives an actionable data point for treatment. |
Protect your investment and ensure the health of your colonies with professional-grade equipment from HONESTBEE.
As a trusted supplier to commercial apiaries and beekeeping equipment distributors, we provide the reliable tools you need for effective, data-driven hive management. The Varroa EasyCheck is just one example of the quality equipment we offer to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly colony losses.
Ready to equip your operation with the best? Contact our wholesale team today to discuss your needs and discover how our supplies can support your success.
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