In a message dated 30/09/04 20:09:00 GMT Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: <<But it is the bees ability to detect and remove mite infected pupa that is related to cell size somehow. That cleansing just doesn't occur when bees are on the larger sized comb. Regards Dennis>> This is what I've noticed. I never saw bald brood until I started downsizing, then suddenly started seeing it regularly, with some pupae being chewed away. Somehow, the smaller cell size seems to accentuate a form of hygeinic behaviour. Regards, Rpbert Brenchley :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::