>>I've noticed that very old combs with small cells on them have very high numbers of mites and DWV.  Just an observation.

There's a very interesting piece in Research Reviewed in the current issue of Bee Culture on this.  Researchers have been able to take some extracts from old combs to demonstrate that they are highly attractive to varroa.  (If I recall correctly the article said 3x as many varroa were found in old comb vs. new comb.)  This may one day be used to develop methods to bait and trap varroa.

Many have said here that comb rotation helps the varroa situation.  It turns out that not only does it remove chemicals with the wax but also varroa attractants.

Very interesting creature this varroa...

Waldemar
LI, NY

PS. I have read, though not necessarily seen it in my hives, that queens also prefer to lay in the old comb.  They may hone in on the same attractants as varroa.

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