Documented Mite control by Small Cell?

[Hillside]

So maybe if bees from a small cell/natural cell operation were to swarm and find a good cavity, there might be some chance for longer term survival.

Some friends of mine in Iowa have a large bee tree in their yard. It's had bees in it for at least 20 years, but I think they routinely die out and the hive is recolonized. If small cell bees were to move in, do you think they would just use the old comb (potentially large cell) that was there or might they tear it down and start new.

I know any answer would probably be conjecture, but it's an interesting question.

[drobbins]

hmm, an interesting idea

a long existing bee tree might not be feral survivors, but being continually recolonized

I've got friends with a bee tree in their yard
been there a long time
I assusmed they were feral survivors
they don't want to cut it and it's way high
it swarms every year, I'm gonna put out traps in the spring
I'm a rookie, and learning a lot from the folks here
next spring is gonna be VERY interesting

Dave

[MichaelW]

If I understand it corectlly, small cells bees will use big comb if thats what they have. Thus no more varroa protection. Regular bees will use small comb if put on it. Thus instant varroa protection. The thing is getting your bees to build the small comb.

[drobbins]

I think I'm gonna get 10 frames of permacomb and wax dip em like MB suggests
then use em for starting bee's next spring
a NUC with 2 frames of permacomb interlaced with starter strips
that ought to start em out right
I'm gonna start 2 or 3 packages and try to catch a swarm from the tree I mentioned

Dave

[Joseph Clemens]

http://www.funpecrp.com.br/gmr/year2..._full_text.htm

[Michael Bush]

Yes, small cell bees will use large cell comb. Yes many feral hives die out and get repopulated by new swarms.