Betterbee Colorado Bee Vac Product Instructions

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Colorado Bee Vac™ Product Instructions

Quick Start Guide

If you're one who prefers not to read instructions, at least read these few points before you start using

your Colorado Bee Vac!

1. Be sure to leave the bypass valve partially open (see diagram pg. 2). If closed, the bees may

be exposed to excessive vacuum pressure. Only close the valve as much as is needed.

2. Do not coil the vacuum hose during use. Keep the hose as straight as possible to reduce

damage to the bees as they travel through the hose.

3. When done vacuuming, close the blast gate before shutting off the vacuum so the bees don't

crawl back into the hose.

4. When done vacuuming, remove the cover from the catch box, keep the box in the shade, and

give the bees plenty of air to prevent them from overheating.

5. Do not store the vacuum cover on the catch box to avoid having the seal material stick to the

catch box.

6. Please read the full instructions! Over the years we have learned many tricks on the most

successful ways to use the Colorado Bee Vac.

Updated June 28, 2021

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Page 1 5. Do not store the vacuum cover on the catch box to avoid having the seal material stick to the catch box. 6. Please read the full instructions! Over the years we have learned many tricks on the most successful ways to use the Colorado Bee Vac. Page...
Page 2 Catch box Blast gate Hose (10’ standard) Suction wand Coupling and hose clamp Figure 1 - Complete Colorado Bee Vac Latch Metal tray Figure 2 - Catch box Assembly: 1. Slide the rubber coupling at one end of the hose over the round inlet of the blast gate.
Page 3 Operation 1. Plan to set your vacuum as far away from the location of the bees as possible, such that the hose will be as straight as possible. It is best to avoid excessive bends in the hose to protect the bees from damage.
Page 4 If transferring to an 8 frame hive, use an 8-to-10 frame adapter shim (available from Betterbee). Top-Down Method: 1. Set the catch box on top of your prepared hive body and bottom board. 2. Gently remove the metal tray and set it on top of the catch box to darken the hive. You can also set your hive’s outer cover on the catch box.
Page 5 Close the bypass valve to increase suction through the hose. ● Can I use a longer hose? o Yes, longer hoses are available from Betterbee. Up to 50 ft of hose can be used. ● How do I carry the vacuum on a ladder? o We do not recommend carrying the Bee Vac on a ladder.