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Date: | Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:20:05 -0700 |
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> Randy, how often would you suggest uncapping drone cells?
Norma, I suggest every 4 weeks, since it fits well on the calendar. I am
well aware that the drone development time is only 24 days. You can check
my website for discussion.
I check drone trap frames with a cappings fork before uncapping--if I don't
find varroa, I don't bother the drone brood.
A number of studies, and individual beekeepers find that drone trapping
gives them adequate varroa control. Any treatment at the same time to
increase phoretic mite drop would help--sugar dust, grapefruit leaf or
tobacco smoke, essential oil, oxalic acid, etc.
For hobby beeks keeping stock with some varroa resistance, even a few small
interventions may be plenty to keep varroa under control.
>Also, what percentage of infestation of capped drone suggests that
> intervention is required (soft chemicals: formic and oxalic)?
>
Percentage infestation of drone brood is too unreliable to base mite
management decisions on. It may bear little correlation with actual mite
levels in the hive.
Randy Oliver
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