David Eyre wrote:
>
> If I may be so bold. This method is not a breeding program. The idea is to
> attract *already mature* adults which are ready to breed. I reiterate,
> when the cell is sealed it is removed from the hive.
>         Surely the breeding cycle is, mature adults move into breeding cells,
> immature Varroa are *released* from the cell when the host emerges, they
> then attach themselves to a bee, and move from bee to bee until they
> mature. At which time the cycle repeats.
>         This is a discussion group! Comments!
 
In my opinion, David is rightly describing the life/breeding cycle of
the varroa mite.  My understanding is that the mite breeds selectively
in drone cells during the summer, then when drone brood tapers off in
the fall they jump to worker brood. This weakens the developing winter
bees, thereby imperiling the survival of the colony over the winter.
 
I believe, as does David, that the drone trapping method is a valid
control for varroa.  However, it is extremely labor intensive, and,
while probably ideal for the hobbyist with only a few colonies, would be
impossible for the large commercial beekeeper and quite difficult for a
sideliner such as myself (about 75 colonies).
 
Ted Fischer
Dexter, Michigan USA