What should be done with drone burr comb larvae infested with varroa mites?

The presence of drone burr comb larvae infested with varroa mites is a significant concern for beekeepers, as these mites can severely impact the health and productivity of a bee colony. Removing this infested comb is crucial because doing so directly reduces the population of varroa mites within the hive. These mites preferentially infest drone larvae due to the longer developmental time, which allows for more substantial reproduction of the mites. By removing the drone burr comb that contains these larvae, beekeepers can limit the reproductive cycle of the mites and thereby decrease their numbers, leading to a healthier colony overall.

Other approaches, such as leaving the infested comb intact to avoid disturbance, can exacerbate the mite problem rather than mitigate it. Feeding it to the bees or storing it for future use does not address the immediate threat posed by the mites and could potentially spread the infestation if not managed properly. Hence, the recommended action is to remove the infested drone burr comb to protect the hive from further varroa mite damage.