Varroa test by CO2 procedure shown on flow hive

Flow Hive Flow Videos
1

Just watched the flow hive procedure for varroa testing with CO2. I observed that one full cup of bees (2 x 1/2 cups) was added to plastic container before CO2 added and shaking. This would equate to 600 bees. Is it advised to then half the mite drop count to correspond to threshold numbers (eg 5 in winter and 9 in summer) indicated by NSW DPI? Video below:

2

Yes, you’re right to question that—using a full cup (around 600 bees) means you should halve the mite count to match DPI thresholds, which are based on 300 bees. I follow this approach too after watching similar CO2 tests, just to keep results accurate and actionable. Always better to err on the side of clarity when managing varroa risk.