Treating for SHB with CheckMite+ - Step 2 - Beekeeping Supplies Protective Clothing Beekeeping Equipment

Using CheckMite+ to Control the
Small Hive Beetle (SHB) - Step 2
Prepare the strips for use in the hive

BeeCARE recommends the following procedure to prepare the CheckMite+ Strips for installation in the hive, to achieve maximum efficacy of the medication and to protect your family's and your customers' health in the process. This procedure is in accordance with the EPA and manufacturer's guidelines. Refer to the labeling provided with CheckMite+ for further information.

	Step 2a - Assemble your materials You will need the following materials to prepare to administer CheckMite+ Strips: Newspaper - Keeps the medicated dust off your work surfaces Cardboard - Serves as a backing for the strips and provides a "shelter" for the beetles that brings them into contact with the medication; Mann Lake Ltd. (http://www.mannlakeltd.com) has pre-manufactured, plastic, corrugated squares that are ideal for this application, if you wish to use them instead of preparing your own. Duct or Shipping Tape - Secures the cardboard with strips to the bottom board Stapler - Attaches the strips to the cardboard Rubber Gloves - Protects your skin from exposure to the medicated dust Knife - Cuts the strips and the cardboard Plastic bag - Holds the prepared strips until they are placed in the hive
	Step 2b - Wear protective gloves Use latex surgical gloves, as shown here, dishwasher gloves, or otherwise chemical resistant gloves. Bee gloves are not acceptable. The active ingredient in CheckMite+ Strips (coumaphos) is an organophosphate, a group of highly toxic chemicals. The toxicity of coumaphos when in contact with the skin is much higher than that of Apistan.
	Step 2c - Prepare the cardboard backing Cut out a piece of cardboard into an approximately 4x4 inch size, removing one side of the cardboard by tearing it away. Using a knife, clear as much of the side off the corrugated ribbing as possible. Prepare one piece of cardboard backing per hive.
	Step 2d - Remove the CheckMite+ Strips Remove one CheckMite+ strip per hive to be treated.
	Step 2e - Cut the strips For each CheckMite+ strip you will use, cut it in half crossways.
	Step 2f - Place the strips on the backing Place the two halves of CheckMite+ strip onto the cardboard backing, onto the corrugated side. Place the strip halves parallel to each other on the piece of cardboard, with little or no strip exposed over the edge of the cardboard. When the strip is applied to the square, make sure the strips are placed horizontally across the aisles created by the corrugation, as shown here. If the corrugated backing is wider than the strips, make the top strip snug to the left side of the backing and the bottom strip snug to the right side so that every aisle is covered at some point with the strip. This forces the beetles to come into contact with the strip as they run along the aisles.
	Step 2g - Staple the strips to the backing Staple the strips to the cardboard backing, using at least two staples per half-strip.
	Step 2h - Store the prepared strips for later application Put the prepared strips on their cardboard backing into a sealed plastic bag, to be taken to the apiary and applied in the hives.
	Step 2i - Seal and store the CheckMite+ box Ensure that you securely close the inner foil CheckMite+ package containing the left-over strips. Enclose the package in the CheckMite+ Strips box and wrap the box in a plastic bag or other container that will ensure none of the powder can escape. Store the bag or container in a secure location, at a sustained temperature below 100° F.

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