> I have little faith in visual observation, ether roll, drone brood
> uncapping, or natural mite fall (unless done over an extended period).

    I've been following this discussion with interest. This afternoon I
    took some drone comb from my freezer. Out of 47 drone cells I opened
    there were 11 mites (one pupa had two mites). These did not appear to
    be late-stage pupae. The comb came from a nuc installed May 23, with
    the drone cells collected and frozen on June 25th.

    Randy, how often would you suggest uncapping drone cells? If we
    continue to place a drone trap (super frame in brood chamber) and
    remove it for destruction once the drone cells are capped, about every
    month I estimate. Is that frequent enough to ensure control? Also,
    what percentage of infestation of capped drone suggests that
    intervention is required (soft chemicals: formic and oxalic)?

    Norma Barr

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