A Modified Two-queen System: 'Tower' colonies allowing For Easy Drone Brood Removal for Varroa Mite Control

摘要

Capped drone brood removal is a varroa mite control technique that reduces the need for chemical treatments. This varroa mite control technique has not been readily accepted by many beekeepers because heavy honey supers must be removed to access the brood chamber. This study investigated a way of managing hives that makes it easier to access the brood nest and the contained drone brood, making drone brood removal a more viable option. In this study we demonstrated that the management of honey bee colonies in a two queen tower configuration and utilizing drone brood removal reduced varroa mite population growth over the course of the summer. Colonies managed in a tower configuration contained fewer mites in early September than those that were managed normally. While this system would not likely permit beekeepers to forgo alternative mite treatment methods, it would keep mite levels below economic injury levels for a longer period of time.