Uncapping fork with wooden handle and 17 straight pins.

How to Use the Uncapping Fork

For Honey Extraction:

1. Prepare the Frame: Secure the honey frame in an uncapping tank or over a container to collect the cappings.
2. Position the Fork: Hold the uncapping fork with the tines facing downwards. Start at the top of the frame.
3. Uncap the Cells: Gently insert the tines just under the wax cappings and lift them off. Work your way down the frame, ensuring all cells are uncapped.
4. Collect the Wax: Gather the removed cappings in a container for further processing or discard appropriately.

For Drone Brood Uncapping (Varroa Management):

1. Identify Drone Cells: Locate the larger, dome-shaped drone brood cells on the frame.
2. Insert the Fork: Push the tines of the uncapping fork through a patch of capped drone brood.
3. Remove Pupae: Pull the fork back to extract a large patch of drone pupae. Inspect the pupae for Varroa mites, identifiable as small, reddish-brown spots.
4. Dispose of Extracted Material: Place the removed pupae in a sealed container to prevent attracting pests or spreading diseases. Clean the fork thoroughly after use.