Drone Comb Bee Frame – Australian Made
In line with our commitment to Aussie-made beekeeping gear, Waggle & Forage proudly stock these bright green Drone Comb Bee Frames – an effective addition to your Varroa mite Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tool kit. The green frame is easy to identify within the hive.
Why Use Drone Comb Frames?
Drone comb frames are a proven non-chemical control tool in the fight against Varroa destructor. Since Varroa mites prefer to reproduce in drone brood (6 to 13 times more than worker brood) beekeepers can use these frames as a trap and remove a bulk amount of mites in one go. By encouraging the colony to raise drones on these designated frames, you can later remove and destroy the capped drone brood, significantly reducing the Varroa population.
Regular use of drone comb frames, as part of your IPM strategy, helps reduce Varroa mite populations.
Drone Comb Bee Frame – Preparation
As bees can be reluctant to build on plastic foundation, we recommend coating these frames with a layer of pure beeswax to encourage comb building. This can be easily done by melting beeswax and using a low nap roller or sponge to apply an even coat.
These frames are sold unwaxed, allowing you to apply your preferred method of coating. If you're after a ready-to-use option, check out our Pre-Waxed Drone Frames, available online and in-store.
How to Use Drone Bee Comb Frames Effectively
- Place the frame in the honey super of your hive initially, to allow the bees to draw out the cells. You need to monitor this process closely. This initial placement in the honey super is only to allow the bees to draw out the comb, before the queen starts laying in the frame.
- Once the cells are drawn out (and before nectar is stored) place the frame within the brood nest for the queen to lay her eggs.
- Monitor closely – Once the queen has laid her eggs, the bees will work their way across the frame, capping the cells.
- Once the frame is completely capped, remove it from the hive.
- Freeze the frame to kill mites inside the drone brood cells. After freezing (for at least 48 hours), the drawn comb can be removed from the frame and the frame can be returned to the hive to repeat the process.
Please note; these frames are not intended to be used as a sole solution to managing Varroa mite. There are multiple actions to undertake and a great, detailed publication to learn more about Varroa mite management is this well respected book "Control of Varroa" - by Michelle Taylor & Mark Goodwin.
For further information on Varroa, check out the National Varroa Mite Management Program online.