>I thought I saw here that studies showed small cell foundation did not solve the varroa issue. It would be interesting to see a cell size test which observes mite population over winter. That is when I observed mites having great mortality as compared to larger cells. >So I have an obvious question. Is small cell, and the trouble migrating bees to smaller cells, worth it at all? I have a new class of the Indiana Beekeeping School coming up on January 28, and I'd like to know. Speaking from 20 years experience with SC It is difficult for beginners to successfully migrate to small cell, unless they have a support network. I would not promote small cell as a 'singular mode of varroa control', OR any other mode as a 'singular mode,' varroa control works best when several modes are implemented together. What I recommend: Varroa is no longer a problem in my area, so I am recommending a cell size which seems to be preferred by the ferals in my area, (SW PA) I recommend to new-bees that they use 5.1 mm foundation, due to the fact that most ferals insist on 5.1 to 5.2 mm. A regression to 5.1 is easily achieved in most cases. Best Wishes, Joe Waggle SW. Pennsylvania http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HistoricalHoneybeeArticles/ *********************************************** 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