After harvesting, I poked holes in all the drone comb on my honey frames. I spotted varroa mites leaving the cells as I opened them. I cut out all the drones, and smashed any varroa I found. Somewhat surprised it was so easy to see them. #🐝
Varroa prefer drone larvae, because drones take 24 days to grow, vs 21 days for workers. This gives them the chance to reproduce in the cell one more time than otherwise.
Like everyone, I will need to treat for varroa as soon as reasonable (next week). #🐝
I cut most of the drone comb out of the frames, but what's left, the workers will dispose of. They know the larvae are lost causes, when they've been opened prematurely.