Using CheckMite+ to Control
the Small Hive Beetle (SHB)

CheckMite+ Strips (coumaphos) are beehive pest control strips manufactured by Bayer Corporation, Agricultural Division, for control of Varroa mites and Small Hive Beetles (SHB) in honeybee colonies.  CheckMite+ should not be applied as a preventive measure; it should only be used as an emergency treatment once an SHB infestation is discovered.  CheckMite+ is the only known treatment for the beehive that effectively controls SHB without harming the bees.  SHB are a serious threat to the production and survival of honeybee colonies, but if proactive measures are taken to prevent infestation and immediate action is taken to control their spread if infestation is detected, hives can remain healthy and productive.

The EPA has not granted Bayer Corporation a F.I.F.R.A. Section 3 (general use) registration for the bee strips.  As such, CheckMite+ is for use only as authorized in individual states by the EPA under the emergency provisions of F.I.F.R.A. Section 18.  If you find evidence of, or are concerned about the possibility of a hive beetle infestation, you should contact your state apiary inspector, usually affiliated with the State Department of Agriculture, to determine the appropriate response.  BeeCARE strongly recommends you read the article Small Hive Beetle (SHB) to understand the phenomenon of SHB and how to effectively deal with it.

Mann Lake Ltd. (http://www.mannlakeltd.com) and Brushy Mountain Bee Farm (http://www.beeequipment.com) distribute CheckMite+ for Bayer.  Check with either of these distributors to determine if you are authorized to use this treatment in your state under F.I.F.R.A. Section 18.

Administering CheckMite+ for SHB Treatment
BeeCARE recommends the following procedure for treatment of the beehive only after an SHB infestation is confirmed.  CheckMite+ should never be administered as a preventive measure.  This procedure strictly follows the guidelines approved by the EPA and published by Bayer.  Departure from the published guidelines is considered a non-approved use of the product.  You may see variations on these guidelines on other beekeeping websites.  But be aware that it is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its label.  Always strictly follow the manufacturer's guidelines.  Although the procedure documented here strictly conforms to the EPA/Bayer guidelines, consult the labeling included with CheckMite+ for further detail and authoritative documentation.

Note: Do not use CheckMite+ to treat for SHB more than four times a year.

	Step 1 - Remove honey supers Remove honey supers before the application of CheckMite+ Strips and do not replace until 14 days after the strips are removed.
	Step 2 - Prepare the strips for use in the hive Correct preparation of the CheckMite+ Strips is critical, as the guidelines are tailored both for achieving maximum efficacy of the medication and for preventing poisoning and food contamination.
	Step 3 - Install the strips in the hive Once the strips are prepared, you need to immediately install them in the infested hive(s).  BeeCARE recommends the following procedure to install the CheckMite+ Strips into an SHB-infested hive.  This procedure is in accordance with the EPA and manufacturer's guidelines.  Refer to the labeling provided with CheckMite+ for further information.

CheckMite+ Strips Chemical Composition

Periodic Apiary Inspections
Opening and Inspecting the Hive
Small Hive Beetle (SHB)
Using GardStar to Control the Small Hive Beetle (SHB)

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