Innovative Czech patented heat treatment device for protection of honeybees against Varroa mites and organic honey production is looking for partners under distribution agreements.

The young Czech SME has developed an innovative a unique award-winning product for year-round beekeeping, which serves both as a treatment device but also a full-fledged bee hive. Company‘s solution has ability to effectively eradicate the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, and such suitable also for ecological beekeeping and organic honey production. Apart from the global overuse use of pesticides in agriculture and climate change, Varroa destructor is the important source of bee mortality in the world as it transmits honeybee diseases, causes severe damages to bee colonies with significant economy losts. The most frequent therapy against Varroa is chemicals. Unfortunately, effectivity of chemical treatment is not sufficient and decreases continuously due to growning resistence of Varroa with negative impact on enviroment and quality of honey as residues of these chemicals are often found in the wax and honey. The most effective defense against a decline in bee colonies is to maintain strong and healthy bees by safe and effective treatment and by securing the well-being of bees. The product developed and produced by the Czech company since 2018 utilizes the sunshine to heat the hive in a manner that kills the mites effectively meanwhile providing a good conditions for wellbeing of bees. Several devices which utilize the heat are already available on the market but they have significant limitations. Usually, these are external devices, which add to more laborious and time-consuming treatment. These devices usually use electricity for heating, which is often not present on apiaries. They are also relatively expensive for most of the beekeepers. Unlike these products, the apparatus produced by the Czech company is equipped with active surfaces that enable effective conversion of sunlight into thermal energy and heating of the bee brood. This approach, supported by 10-years research and testing is very effective and environmentally friendly, as no chemicals are needed and the success rate of the heating therapy is even higher in comparison with chemical treatment. Thanks to the carefully balanced method of the heating this approach is also very tender to bees: the heat does not harm the bees, brood, nor the honeycombs, yet it kills all the Varroa mites inside the cells. Thanks to a special construction, the temperature in the brood is kept in a controlled manner with the help of sunlight, which is lethal to mites, but friendly to bees. The temperature is regulated in the way that supports the bee needs during winter and fastens spring development of the colony. This leads to high honey yields (40% more honey in average in comparison with conventional hives) and fast return on investment and cuts on beekeeper expenses. The device is equipped with a two accurate temperature sensors which control the whole treatment which help with the precise treatment. This device is also valuable for organic beekeepers as it helps them not to use chemical treatment anymore. The product is already on the market and is available in all standard frame sizes. The company wants to establish itself in new markets through partnerships under distribution agreements with companies and individuals with knowledge of beekeeping or agriculture sector. At least some experience with keeping bees is relevant, experience with distribution or sale is an advantage. The company offers customised devices to match individual beehive sizes. All components have been manufactured and assembled in the EU. The company is looking to enter new markets through partnerships under distribution agreements.