Greetings,

There is an one aspect I've observed about broodnest cleansing associated
with small cell comb. It is primarily a seasonal activity, which is most
intense during the early spring and late summer/fall. At those times, hive
populations are not at a maximum. Maybe the clusters density would greater
in the spring. But it be at a minimum in the late summer/fall when most of
the activity is seen.

Very little broodnest cleansing and few damaged mite are seen during
midsummer, when hive populations are greatest.

Small colonies on small cell comb can tolerate the mites as well as larger
colonies. Five frame nucs can maintain themselves without mite treatments.

I'm sure if a colony is too small to sustain itself, mites could be a
problem.

Regards
Dennis
Sharing Northern thoughts. It might be different down South.

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