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CO2 Injection for Varroa Easy Check
Code: 9232
Price: 25,30 € 20,74 € + VAT
We are all aware of the importance of monitoring to ensure the health of our apiaries. Knowing the infestation level allows us to intervene promptly when varroa counts start to raise concerns.
The Varroa EasyCheck, with its alcohol washing method, provides accurate counting and precise estimation of varroa mites in your hives. However, we have listened to the concerns of many beekeepers who find the alcohol method too invasive, as it involves sacrificing around 300 bees per hive.
CO2 Carbon Dioxide Solution:
As an alternative to alcohol, we have introduced the rechargeable CO2 Injector. This accessory enhances the performance of Varroa EasyCheck, making varroa control reliable, fast, and, above all, non-destructive.
The CO2 injection method renders bees and mites unconscious through exposure to carbon dioxide, ensuring a harmless detachment process. Simply gently shake your Varroa EasyCheck to facilitate mite detachment and sieving for easy counting.
Beekeepers can achieve results comparable to the alcohol washing method, while sampled bees can return to their activities shortly after.
The CO2 Injector is ready for immediate use and comes with a CO2 cartridge, sufficient for 8-9 monitoring sessions. Just leave a small gap between the yellow lid and the transparent container of Varroa EasyCheck and release CO2 for 5-6 seconds. 16-gram cartridges are widely available on the market.
CO2 Varroa Testing Method
Using carbon dioxide, bees and mites are rendered unconscious through gas exposure. The sample of bees is then gently shaken in the EasyCheck, causing mites to fall through the holes in the white basket. Research in Europe indicates accuracy results similar to those obtained with the alcohol washing method*.
Usage:
- Collect a sample of 200 or 300 bees using the white jar inside, preferably from a frame with capped brood (ensure the queen is not in the sample).
- Place the UPSIDE DOWN basket in the transparent bowl, aligning it correctly.
- Place the yellow lid on top, create a small gap between the yellow lid and the transparent container, and inject CO2 through the holes in the white basket for 5-6 seconds. Screw on the cap and wait a few seconds until the bees stop moving. Avoid direct injection towards the bees.
- Turn over the Varroa EasyCheck and gently shake the sample for 15 seconds, taking care not to harm the bees. Mites will separate from the bees and fall into the lid through the holes in the basket.
- Open the yellow lid and count the mites inside. Depending on whether you sampled 200 or 300 bees, divide the counted mite number by 2 or 3 to obtain the infestation rate (%). For result interpretation, refer to our Varroa Guide and/or a local expert.
- Return the bees to the hive; they will recover within a few minutes. Dispose of the fallen varroa mites, as most will still be alive.
The CO2 method renders bees and varroa unconscious through carbon dioxide exposure. The sample of anesthetized bees is then gently shaken, causing mites to fall from the bees.
The CO2 Injector is ready for use, sold with a CO2 cartridge sufficient for 8-9 monitoring sessions. Just create a gap between the yellow lid and the transparent container of Varroa EasyCheck and release CO2 for 5-6 seconds. 16-gram cartridges are easily available on the market.
Note: Results may vary based on hive conditions and proper use of the CO2 Injector as per provided instructions.
