EZPZ 5.1 mm 50 Pin Hygienic Tester

 Knowing is half the battle! Proper genetic selection is essential to raising great queens. Selecting for hygienic behavior is an important component of a solid program. Research demonstrates pin-killed brood testing is a practical, low-cost field standard for selecting Varroa-resistant, hygienic lines.

 This kit consists of the 5.1mm 50 pin tester, protective cover, positioning guide, sanitizing sponge, 50 spare pins and hex key for repair. It is also available in a 5.4mm size. If you're not sure which size to choose, measure 10 or 20 cells across on your foundation and divide by 10 or 20.

 Procedure:

 Fully saturate the sponge in its case with 70% alcohol. Take the kit, queen marker, a camera (phone is fine) and some note cards to the apiary. For each hive, select part of a frame with mature (purple eye) capped brood without open cells.

 Position the tester so the pins are centered over the cells. Using the guide is helpful but not necessary. Press the tester straight into the cells all the way but not enough to smash the caps. Mark around the test area to clearly identify it. Write the hive ID and the time on a card, place it near the test area and photograph it.

 Fully insert the pins of the tester into the sponge to clean and sanitize before testing the next hive. Allow the alcohol to evaporate before insertion in the next hive.

 Return to each hive after 6 hours and 24 hours and photograph the test area, including a note with hive ID and time. 

 Clean and sanitize all equipment, allow to dry and store safely.

Interpreting Results:

 After 6 hours, some removal should have taken place. If 80-100% removal has occurred already, the test may not be valid due to existing conditions in the colony. This can be a false positive for hygienic behavior. If the 6 hour results show moderate removal and the 24 hour results are 80-100% removal, the colony is positive for hygienic behavior! Note that this is only a quick look and testing can be repeated at different times for greater assurance.

 Caution:

 The pins are very sharp! They are also very slender for test accuracy reasons. They can be bent easily. Removal and replacement of individual pins is possible using the hex key and needle nosed pliers. Be very careful removing the bent pin and more careful inserting the new one.