[log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

… the majority of
>the phoretic mites attacks the first batch of brood from the new laying 
queen weakening
>them.

That’s a good point Waldemar!

Also, as mentioned earlier by a poster, a brood break after swarming, 
potentially 3 to 4 weeks can perhaps contribute to mite reduction.  
But in my observations, most varroa invasion of cells during swarming 
season is concentrated very heavily in drone cells which take about 24 
days to hatch, basically carrying most mites through most of the broodless 
period. 


Joe Waggle ~ Derry, PA   
‘Bees Gone Wild Apiaries' 
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HistoricalHoneybeeArticles
FeralBeeProject.com

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