Varroa/Mite Calculator for Bee Keepers

About

# 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)

1. Open Chrome and navigate to `chrome://extensions/`
2. Enable "Developer mode" by toggling the switch in the top-right corner
3. Click "Load unpacked" button
4. Select the `varroa-mite-calculator-extension` folder
5. The extension will appear in your Chrome toolbar

### Method 2: Install from ZIP file

1. Extract the `varroa-mite-calculator-extension.zip` file
2. Follow Method 1 instructions using the extracted folder

## How to Use

1. Click the bee icon in your Chrome toolbar to open the calculator
2. Select the month when you conducted monitoring
3. Choose your monitoring method from the dropdown
4. Fill in the required fields that appear
5. 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.