Varroa treatment test strips for bees

Protect your bees' health. Discover our professional Varroa testers for a fast, accurate diagnosis of varroosis.

3 products

Produits-veto – Bannière de base – Abeilles – Let it Be

VETO-PHARMA

(4)

Easy Check - Varroa Destructor Infestation Test - Bees - VETO-PHARMA

In stock

€12.33

Unavailable in your country

BEEVITAL

(1)

VarroaTester - Bee colony tester - Varroa - BEEVITAL

In stock

€12.33

Unavailable in your country

SOLU’NATURE

Patho Bee - Pathogen Carrier Analysis Kit - Bees - SOLU'NATURE

In stock

€82.50

Unavailable in your country

Varroa Tester: The essential equipment for colony diagnosis

Diagnosis of varroosis: The first step of veterinary care

Understanding the impact of Varroa destructor on bee health

Varroa destructor is the main sanitary scourge of bee colonies. It is an external parasitic mite. It feeds on the hemolymph and fat body of adult bees and brood. As a result, this ectoparasite severely weakens the colony. It also transmits pathogenic viruses. Uncontrolled infestation inevitably leads to colony collapse. As a responsible beekeeper, you must consider Varroa monitoring as a preventive veterinary act. Regular monitoring of the infestation level is fundamental. Without an accurate measurement of the parasitic pressure, it is impossible to trigger chemotherapy at the right time. Our range of Varroa Tester allows you to quantify this risk. You make informed treatment decisions.

Detection methods: choosing your Varroa tester

The choice of assessment method depends on the precision sought and the speed of execution. Diagnostic tools allow you to calculate the infestation rate. This is the number of varroa mites per hundred bees.

The wash test (Shaker or EasyCheck): This is the most reliable and common method. It uses a container and a liquid, often alcohol or soapy water. The bee sample is shaken in the container. The mites detach. The beekeeper can then easily count them through the grid. Products such as the Shaker EasyCheck greatly facilitate this process.
The powdered sugar test: An alternative method, non-lethal for the bees. Powdered sugar causes the varroa mites to fall off by friction. This test is less precise but allows the bees to be reintroduced into the hive.
The board test: A board (lange) is placed at the bottom of the hive. The natural fall of varroa mites is then counted over a given period. This method provides an estimate. It is useful for long-term monitoring but does not give an instant infestation rate.

Consequently, the use of a shaker-type Varroa Tester kit is recommended for a quick and reliable measurement. This gives you an immediate indication of the urgency of treatment.

Benefits of using a professional test kit

Investment in a quality diagnostic kit is quickly offset by the survival and productivity of your colonies.

Targeted treatment decision: Precise counting allows you to intervene only when the tolerance threshold is exceeded.
Product savings: You avoid the unnecessary use of acaricide medications.
Better brood health: Timely treatment protects the larvae from the devastating effects of the parasite.
Reliability and speed: Modern shakers provide a result in less than five minutes.
Standardization of results: You can easily compare infestation levels between different hives and years.
Sanitary guarantee: You ensure the good health of your livestock, a pillar of veterinary apicultural management.

Frequently asked questions about the Varroa Tester

How to detect Varroa in a hive?

Varroa detection must be quantitative to be effective. Specialized tools called Varroa Tester or shakers are used. The beekeeper takes a sample of about 300 bees. This sample is then isolated in the tester with a liquid product (alcohol or soapy solution). Shaking detaches the varroa mites from the bees. Finally, counting the mites allows you to determine the infestation rate. This rate is obtained by dividing the number of varroa mites by the number of bees, then multiplying by 100. This measurement is the basis of any therapeutic decision.

When and how often should Varroa be tested?

Varroa screening should be carried out several times a year. The ideal frequency is monthly during the active beekeeping season. This is particularly crucial at the end of summer. Indeed, the varroa population increases exponentially after the last honey flow. The end-of-summer test is the most important. It allows you to assess the parasitic pressure before overwintering. In addition, the hive should always be tested before applying an acaricide treatment. A second test is necessary after treatment to assess its effectiveness. This regular monitoring avoids bad surprises in spring.

What is the Varroa tolerance threshold?

The tolerance threshold is the maximum acceptable level of infestation before intervening. This threshold varies according to the season and the type of hive. Generally, in spring, a rate above 2 varroa mites per 100 bees (i.e. 2%) is critical. In summer, just before the supers are put on, up to 3% is often tolerated. The intervention threshold is stricter in autumn. A rate above 5% in September can compromise the colony's overwintering. It is crucial to consult your veterinarian or a GDSA to find out the precise local thresholds.

What are the most reliable Varroa test methods?

The reference method for obtaining the most reliable measurement is the alcohol wash test or the dish soap test. These methods ensure that almost all of the varroa mites present on the bee sample are detached. Modern Varroa Tester kits are specifically designed to maximize this effectiveness. Counting the fallen varroa mites is then made easier by the color contrast and the grid of the device. Nevertheless, the powdered sugar test is a good option if you refuse to sacrifice the bee sample, but it is less precise and sometimes overestimates the actual rate.

To find out more

All our supplements and food for bees: Colony health
Our treatments against varroa destructor: Anti-varroa treatment

Varroa treatment test strips for bees

Easy Check - Varroa Destructor Infestation Test - Bees - VETO-PHARMA

VarroaTester - Bee colony tester - Varroa - BEEVITAL

Patho Bee - Pathogen Carrier Analysis Kit - Bees - SOLU'NATURE

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