Introducing the Queen Excluder,
A must-have tool for beekeepers designed to make the process of sampling nurse bees both safe and efficient. This product works perfectly with the EasyCheck mite wash cup (not included), helping you manage bee samples while protecting your queen.
Key Features:
-
Queen Safety: The Queen Excluder ensures your queen is safely separated during the sampling process, minimizing the risk of harm.
-
Efficient Bee Movement: The included puck guides nurse bees through the excluder quickly and safely. Its weight and solid design encourage the bees to move swiftly, ensuring an efficient process.
-
User-Friendly Design: The excluder is designed for ease of use, making the process of sampling and checking for mites straightforward and quick.
-
High-Quality Construction: Built to last, the Queen Excluder is made from durable materials that ensure reliability in your beekeeping operations.
How It Works:
-
Collect Your Sample: Use the sampling tray (not included) to collect approximately 300 nurse bees from a frame of recently emerged brood, This is generally the second frame in from the outside on a fully built 10 frame colony.
-
Setup: Place the Queen Excluder screen on top of the open EasyCheck® mite wash cup, ensuring the white strainer remains in place. Only use the DAWN dish soap solution for this process.
-
Secure the Sample: Place the Queen Excluder on the EasyCheck® and use the puck to trap the bees securely.
-
Guide the Bees: Allow the puck to gently guide the nurse bees through the excluder. This process typically takes between 1 to 3 minutes.
-
Check for the Queen: Remove the puck and inspect the excluder for your queen. If the queen is present, return her to the hive. If only drones are found, you can return them to the hive or include them in your sample.
-
Complete the Mite Wash: Follow the EasyCheck instructions to complete the mite wash process.
Tips for Optimal Use:
-
Use Only DAWN Dish Soap Solution: Alcohol can harm the queen due to fumes.
-
Check for the Queen: Always inspect your sample for the mated queen before using the excluder.
-
Sample Size: Collect a slightly larger sample, as some nurse bees will remain above the excluder.
Puck Usage Tips:
-
Avoid Applying Pressure: Keep the puck and interior walls clean to ensure smooth operation. Do not apply pressure to push the puck down.
-
Ensure Dry Bees: Make sure the bees in your sample are dry to prevent clumping.
-
Consider Temperature: Cold temperatures can make bees lethargic. If bees are not moving, do not apply pressure.
Upgrade your beekeeping toolkit with the Queen Excluder and experience a safer, more efficient way to manage your bee samples and protect your queen.
DAWN DISH SOAP SOLUTION: 1 TBSP Dawn per 1/2 gallon water
