Drone Comb Bee Full-Depth Frame (Now Wax Coated)

Green Drone Foundation All-in-One Frame – Australian Made

Proudly Australian made, this bright green drone comb frame is crafted from high-quality, durable plastic and forms a key part of an effective Varroa mite Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. The vibrant green colour makes it easy to identify within the hive.

Why use it?
Varroa mites prefer drone brood up to 13 times more than worker brood. By encouraging the colony to raise drones on this frame, you can later remove and freeze the capped drone brood — eliminating a large number of mites naturally, without chemicals.

Features:

• 100% Australian made from premium plastic
• Reusable, sturdy, and easy to clean
• Non-chemical Varroa control method
• Bright green for quick identification

For best results, coat the foundation with pure beeswax before use to encourage comb building.

Use as part of a broader IPM strategy — not as a sole treatment. For detailed Varroa management advice, see “Control of Varroa” by Michelle Taylor & Mark Goodwin or visit the National Varroa Mite Management Program online.

Why Use Drone Comb Frames?

Drone comb frames are a non-chemical, environmentally responsible method for reducing Varroa mite populations.
Varroa mites prefer to reproduce in drone brood cells, at rates six to thirteen times higher than in worker brood. By introducing a dedicated drone comb frame, beekeepers can exploit this behaviour to capture large numbers of mites in a single cycle.

When the drone brood is capped, the frame can be removed, frozen to kill the mites, and then reused — significantly reducing the mite load within the hive. Regular use of drone frames as part of your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program helps maintain healthier, more resilient colonies while reducing reliance on chemical treatments.

Features & Benefits

• ✅ Australian Made – supporting local industry and ensuring top-tier material quality.
• 🐝 Durable One-Piece Design – eliminates the need for assembly or wiring.
• 🌿 Chemical-Free Varroa Control – a natural method to manage mite populations.
• 🎨 Easy Identification – the bright green colour clearly distinguishes the frame from standard brood or honey frames.

• 🔁 Reusable & Long-Lasting – easy to clean and use season after season.

How to Use Drone Comb Frames Effectively

1. Initial Placement: Insert the frame in the honey super to allow bees to draw out the foundation. Monitor progress closely — this is a temporary position to avoid early laying or nectar storage.

2. Brood Nest Placement: Once the comb is fully drawn, move the frame into the brood area for the queen to lay drone eggs.

3. Monitor Development: Observe as the cells are capped — indicating mature drone brood.

4. Remove & Freeze: Once fully capped, remove the frame and freeze for 48 hours to kill Varroa mites within the drone brood.

5. Clean & Reuse: After freezing, remove the frozen comb if desired and return the frame to the hive to repeat the process.

Regular monitoring and cycling of these frames can drastically reduce mite loads when used alongside other IPM practices.

Important Note

Drone comb frames are not a standalone solution for managing Varroa destructor. They should be used in combination with other proven control methods as part of a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management plan.