Quote Originally Posted by fatshark View Post
If it was the "Beast from the East" and a rubbish March reducing early season mite numbers it could suggest there are other strategies that could be used to control Varroa.
Some comment that a brood break (swarming) helps bees rid themselves of (reduce levels of) varroa. If bees tend to remove some of the varroa whilst there are no broodcells to hide in, then mite numbers may come down to safer levels.
What we need is an artificial brood pheromone in a bottle that can be used to attract all the varroa to it; then take the bottle away. No need to kill the mites. Simples!