VarroCheck is an accurate and reliable mite shaker, ready to go whenever you need to check the health of your bees. Includes 1/2 Cup Measure Which Fits Inside Kit After Use. Lid Seals Tight Keeping Liquid From Leaking. Lid Has Three "Clamps" That Hold Lid To Base Tightly. The Basket Has A Handle That Makes Removal Very Easy Basket Also Has An Integrated Hook So Basket Can Rest, Drain, And Mites Can Accurately Counted Dimensions: H:4.5in x W:3.75 x L:3.75 Weight: 4.8 How to use VarroCheck to quickly and easily monitor Varroa mite levels Remove lid from bottle and use enclosed measuring cup to put one cupful of diluted alcohol (1 part isopropyl alcohol to 4 parts water) into the test bottle Choose two or three frames from the centre of the brood area (preferably open brood) and check carefully for the queen. Do not use frame if the queen is present Shake the bees off the frame into a large tub and allow any foragers to fly away, leaving only nurse bees use the measuring cup to scoop a full measure of nurse bees (this will be approximately 300 bees) and put them in the bottle, clipping it shut Gently shake the bottle to wet the bees and euthanase any varroa mites Open the lid and add enough alcohol solution to cover the bees. Clip shut again and gently shake and roll the bottle, trying not to cause any foaming After one minute, open the lid and lift out the mesh basket, shaking off as much liquid as possible as you lift it Look through the transparent bottle and count the number of varroa mites. Divide this number by 3 to obtain the percentage infestation level (i.e. if you count 6 mites, 6 divided by 3 = 2 so the infestation rate is 2%) Check the acceptable infestation rate depending on the state of the colony and time of season and take appropriate action
