Varroa Mite Calculator Chrome Extension
A Chrome extension that helps beekeepers estimate the mite population within their bee colonies using various monitoring methods.
Features
- Multiple Monitoring Methods: Supports Mite Drop, Adult Infestation, Drone Brood Infestation, and Worker Brood Infestation methods
- Month-Specific Calculations: Provides accurate calculations based on the monitoring month
- Instant Results: Get immediate mite population estimates and suggested actions
- User-Friendly Interface: Clean, intuitive popup interface optimized for Chrome extensions
Installation Instructions
Method 1: Load Unpacked Extension (Developer Mode)
- Open Chrome and navigate to
chrome://extensions/
- Enable "Developer mode" by toggling the switch in the top-right corner
- Click "Load unpacked" button
- Select the
varroa-mite-calculator-extension folder
- The extension will appear in your Chrome toolbar
Method 2: Install from ZIP file
- Extract the
varroa-mite-calculator-extension.zip file
- Follow Method 1 instructions using the extracted folder
How to Use
- Click the bee icon in your Chrome toolbar to open the calculator
- Select the month when you conducted monitoring
- Choose your monitoring method from the dropdown
- Fill in the required fields that appear
- Click "Calculate Mite Population" to get your results
Monitoring Methods
- Mite Drop: Based on natural mite fall over a specified period
- Adult Infestation: Based on sampling adult bees for mites
- Drone Brood Infestation: Based on examining drone brood cells
- Worker Brood Infestation: Based on examining worker brood cells
Important Notes
- Results are estimates and should be used as guidelines for colony management
- Mite-drop monitoring during March, April, September, and October may be less reliable due to changing brood nest sizes
- Always consult with local beekeeping experts for treatment decisions
Technical Details
- Manifest Version: 3
- Permissions: None required
- Popup Dimensions: 400px width, up to 600px height
- Browser Compatibility: Chrome (Manifest V3)
Support
This extension is based on established beekeeping monitoring protocols and provides calculations commonly used in apiary management.