> Randy, how often would you suggest uncapping drone cells?

Norma, I suggest every 4 weeks, since it fits well on the calendar.  I am
well aware that the drone development time is only 24 days.  You can check
my website for discussion.

I check drone trap frames with a cappings fork before uncapping--if I don't
find varroa, I don't bother the drone brood.

A number of studies, and individual beekeepers find that drone trapping
gives them adequate varroa control.  Any treatment at the same time to
increase phoretic mite drop would help--sugar dust, grapefruit leaf  or
tobacco smoke, essential oil, oxalic acid, etc.

For hobby beeks keeping stock with some varroa resistance, even a few small
interventions may be plenty to keep varroa under control.

>Also,  what percentage of infestation of capped drone suggests that

>    intervention is required (soft chemicals: formic and oxalic)?
>

Percentage infestation of drone brood is too unreliable to base mite
management decisions on.  It may bear little correlation with actual mite
levels in the hive.

Randy Oliver

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at:
http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm