- Varroa CO2 Tester: Quick Varroa Mite Check
- Safe for Bees: Non-lethal CO2 anaesthetic method.
- Efficient Sampling: Works with just 200 bees per test.
- Simple Process: Anesthetize bees, shake to dislodge mites, and count for infestation levels.
- Bee-Friendly: Bees recover and rejoin the hive.
- Economical: A single 16-gram CO2 bottle serves for 4-6 tests.
- Usage Tip: Start CO2 flow slowly due to high bottle pressure.
Steps To Use Varroa CO2 Tester:
- Select Bees: Gently collect 200 bees from a brood frame, being careful not to include the queen.
- Anesthetize: Expose the collected bees to CO2 gas for 10-20 seconds to anaesthetize them.
- Shake to Detect: Vigorously shake the container with the Varroa counter for 10 seconds.
- Count Mites: Observe as the mites, disoriented by the CO2, detach from the bees, allowing for easy counting and hive infestation assessment.
- Recovery: Place bees back near the hive entrance; they will revive shortly and rejoin the colony.
- CO2 Usage: Utilize 16-gram CO2 cartridges, with one cartridge sufficient for 4-6 tests.
Please note: CO2 cartridge is not included due to aviation security regulations.