since 1995

Verification Testing is a Must
You Must Know What You Have!
Test the Same Hives in Late Summer and Spring.
Without Testing, You are Playing Russian Roulette!

INTRODUCTION
Testing is a must! Do not rely on your neighbour, government official or supplier of treatments to tell you what to do. You must know what mite infestation levels you have in your hives to treat successfully and not waste money on unsuccessful or unnecessary treatments.
Testing in the spring (April) and in late August is a must when controlling mites with acid and MiteGone™. In commercial operations, a random sampling is required to get a reasonable indication of infestation levels. The tests should be completed before the application of treatment to the entire operation.

EVEN WITH A ZERO INFESTATION LEVEL, A 21-DAY TREATMENT MUST BE USED IN THE SPRING TO ELIMINATE THE TRACHEAL MITE AND TO KEEP MITE LEVELS BELOW THE THRESHOLD OF 8 – 10 MITES NATURAL DROP PREVENTING DAMAGE TO WINTER BEES AND ENSURING SUCCESSFULL WINTERING.

CONCLUSION: After 12 years of using formic acid and testing, we found that:

• Verification Testing for the Infestation of Varroa and Tracheal Mites
  Introduction, Conclusion, How Many to Test, When & How.

• Methods of Testing for Varroa Mite Infestation, Resistance & Efficacy
  Methods of Testing for Varroa Mite Infestation, Resistance, and Efficacy
  A complete summary of what the test means, how you can find your resistance or the efficacy of the treatment you are doing right now, what infestation you have, and the treatment you need.

• Drop or Sticky Board Methods and Equipment
  Instruction, How to Use, Drop Boards - Commercial or Homemade, Other Equipment, and Rules of Counting.

• Reusable Board and Screens
  Reusable Board and Screens
  Sketch and Instruction, Material Specification, and How to Make Test Boards, Screens, and Lifting Tools for 24 Test Boards

• Verification Testing BLANK Chart
  Fill and use for your own tests. Send to me for advice.

Verification Testing Charts and Evaluations:
What the Numbers will Tell You
These charts provided the material and information allowing us to pass our recommendation on to you. The tests and results for 2006 and 2007 are in progress and to be added. I apologize, but it is too much work for a one-man operation.

• Test Evaluation April 2006 B

• Test Evaluation September 2005 C

• Test Evaluation April 2005 D (2 pages)

• Test Evaluation September 2004 Q

• Test Evaluation April 2004 I5 (3 pages)

• Test Evaluation September 2003 I5 (3 pages)