How to Effectively Remove Mites from Your Hive with Drone Bee Frames

Increased mite populations in your hive can be detrimental to the overall strength and well-being of your bees. One effective method for controlling these pests is by using drone bee frames, which have a triple coating of wax that improves their acceptance by the bees.

When drones start hatching out with mites on them, it can compromise your hive's health. To prevent this, it's essential to remove the drone comb frames from the hive as soon as the brood has been capped. This is especially crucial when adding another frame or before introducing a new queen.

To use these frames, first let them warm up to room temperature. Then, gently break open the tops of the cells using an uncapping scratcher to avoid damaging the surrounding cells. Bees can quickly clean out dead brood and prepare the cells for the queen to lay again.

The key to successfully controlling mites is to place the drone frames in a plastic bag and freeze them overnight. Mites prefer the larger area of drone cells over smaller worker bee cells, making this method an effective way to reduce populations without using medications or pesticides.

These frames have multiple uses beyond just controlling mite populations. They can also be used to reduce Varroa mite infestations in your hive and increase honey production due to their larger cell size. Queen breeders often use these frames to maintain a large drone population, which is essential for successful queen mating.

In summary, using drone bee frames with a triple wax coating is an effective and natural way to control mite populations in your hive without compromising the health of your bees. With proper use and care, these frames can help you maintain a strong and healthy hive.

Drone bee frames