Bee Mesh

The Varroa mite problem

Varroa (“Varroa destructor”) are external parasitic mites which feed off live bee larvae and adults. The varroa mite has spread to most parts of the country, most recently through Otago and Southland. Infected hives will eventually die off if left untreated. Since its discovery in New Zealand in 2000, treatment of Varroa has posed an ongoing challenge to beekeepers in finding cost effective, viable treatment options.

Bee mesh helps with varroa control

A 6-mesh or 8-mesh bottom board in hives has been shown to help reduce varroa infestation. Mites dislodged from bees through mutual grooming or self grooming fall through the wire mesh and are prevented from crawling back up and reattaching themselves. While the mesh panels themselves do not remove the varroa mite infestation, they are an excellent tool to be used in conjunction with other proven control methods.

Monitoring

Removal and inspection underneath mesh panels enables beekeepers to:

monitor the levels of infestation in hives.
determine the effectiveness of treatments.
determine the timing of treatment.
identify the need to change to another treatment if necessary.

Failure to effectively monitor Varroa levels can result in hive death.

Other benefits

Mesh panels help prevent the infestation of wasps, ants and wax moths by preventing them from climbing up into the hive. The panels also prevent mice from entering and nesting in hives over the winter months. Mesh panels also provide essential ventilation in the hive.

Stainless steel woven wire mesh flooring is a non-chemical, long lasting, food-safe and cost effective tool in helping control infestation levels.

Xcluder® bee mesh

Xcluder® have been providing high quality stainless mesh to beekeepers, clubs and bee hive manufacturers throughout New Zealand for a number of years. We can supply:

Full or part rolls.
Precut or single panels.
Factory pre-cut panels to any dimensions which are shipped completely flat. (Minimum order size applies.)

6 mesh

Stainless steel (ss304) woven mesh.
3.4mm hole size.
0.8mm wire.
1m wide x 30m long roll.
60kg per roll (2kg per m).
Full rolls or part rolls.
Pre-cut panels priced to order.

$730 per roll or $24.50/m + GST & freight.

(Discount rates for orders of 4 rolls or more.)

8 mesh

Stainless steel (ss304) woven mesh.
2.5mm hole size.
0.7mm wire.
1m wide x 30m long roll.
60kg per roll (2kg per m).
Full rolls or part rolls.
Pre-cut panels priced to order.