Rapid scan method for varroa counting.

[Poly Hive]

Take a photo?

Get propolis all over the machine?

No ta.

Ya look, and say whew very few or OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! and retire to plan a strategy.

KISS

PH

 

[iand]

Ya look, and say whew very few or OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! and retire to plan a strategy.

KISS

PH

Build up a picture of what is happening in your hive throughout the season.
Brood break (artificial swarm etc)/stunted drones/mites in uncapped drone brood/damaged wings etc.
Gut feeling will probably tell you even before a natural drop check, hey I think we are in trouble or not yet.

After seeing limited signs of varroa, I have treated hives recently back from the moor with HM's thymol mix. After the 1st week a sample are showing a few hundred drop. Enough to encourage me to finish the treatment cycle, but relief that it is not a drop of 1000 + as seen in the distant past.


As PH says KISS

 

[alanf]

Relies too much on a vertical pop. What if they skid sideways? How about in a light box with a scintillation counter?

 

[madasafish]

You need to use Hedgerow Pete's system.. and pass all the bees through a clear tube with a diverter valve. When you see a bee with varroa divert it.

Takes about 24 hours for a big hive but you KNOW it works.. (unless you die of boredom of course)..