HiveMeadow
Mann Lake Drone Frame for Mite Control
Full specification5 entries
Frame Size
Deep (9-1/8 in) or Medium (6-1/4 in)
Cell Size
5.4 mm drone cell foundation
Material
Injection-molded plastic
Color
Green
Recommended Cycle
Every 21-24 days for mite trapping
Pest Control · ranked 67 of 99

Mann Lake Drone Frame for Mite Control

Mann Lake · ★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5

The Mann Lake drone frame is a solid, low-cost tool for beekeepers practicing integrated pest management.

  • Chemical-free mite reduction
  • Durable reusable plastic
  • Easy hive integration
Check price at Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing and does not affect the score above.

  • Price and stock are set by the retailer
  • Scored from the specification and owner reports
  • No paid placement anywhere on this site
Who it fits
  • Chemical-free method of reducing varroa mite populations
  • Easy to spot in the hive due to distinct color
  • Durable plastic holds up to repeated freezing for mite kill
  • !Requires consistent 3-week monitoring schedule to be effective
  • !Bees may sometimes backfill cells with honey instead of drone brood
Stack it against
The verdict

The Mann Lake drone frame is a solid, low-cost tool for beekeepers practicing integrated pest management. It won't single-handedly solve a heavy varroa infestation, but when used consistently as part of a broader mite control strategy, it offers a chemical-free way to reduce mite reproduction. Best suited for hobbyists and small-scale beekeepers willing to commit to regular hive inspections.

Bench scorecard

Derived from this product's specification, features and owner reports.

Build 77
Handling 90
Value 84
Lasts 91

Key features

  • Deep or medium frame size options with drawn drone-sized cell foundation
  • Larger 5.4mm cells encourage queen to lay unfertilized drone eggs
  • Plastic one-piece construction resists warping and pest damage
  • Green frame color for easy identification within the brood box
  • Compatible with standard Langstroth hive equipment
  • Reusable design allows repeated freezing and scraping cycles

Living with it

What works

  • Chemical-free method of reducing varroa mite populations
  • Easy to spot in the hive due to distinct color
  • Durable plastic holds up to repeated freezing for mite kill
  • Simple to integrate into existing IPM (Integrated Pest Management) routine
  • No mixing or applying chemical treatments required
  • Works well alongside other mite control methods for better results

What to watch

  • Requires consistent 3-week monitoring schedule to be effective
  • Bees may sometimes backfill cells with honey instead of drone brood
  • Only reduces mite load, does not eliminate infestation alone
  • Extra labor compared to chemical strip treatments
  • Not effective if inspection timing is inconsistent

The full review

The Mann Lake drone frame for mite control is a purpose-built beekeeping tool designed to help hobbyist and commercial beekeepers manage Varroa mite populations without relying on chemical treatments. Constructed with durable plastic foundation and frame in one piece, it fits standard Langstroth hive equipment and encourages bees to draw out larger drone-sized cells naturally. Because Varroa mites are biologically drawn to reproduce in drone brood over worker brood, this frame works with the colony's own instincts, giving beekeepers a simple, mechanical way to concentrate mite reproduction in a single, easily managed comb rather than scattered throughout the hive.

Using the frame is straightforward: once bees have capped the drone brood, the frame is pulled and either frozen to kill the mites and pupae inside or scraped out to physically remove the infested cells before mites can emerge and spread. This cycle can be repeated throughout the active brood season, giving beekeepers a proactive, non-toxic method of suppressing mite loads. For those practicing integrated pest management, this product serves as a foundational tool that reduces dependence on miticides, supports colony health, and helps slow the development of chemical-resistant mite populations that can plague apiaries over time.

Built from sturdy, food-safe plastic, the Mann Lake drone frame is designed to withstand repeated handling, freezing, and cleaning cycles season after season. Its uniform cell structure makes inspection easy, allowing beekeepers to quickly identify capped drone brood and monitor mite levels visually. Compact enough to integrate seamlessly into existing hive setups, it requires no special tools or extensive training to use effectively. Whether used by backyard beekeepers monitoring a few hives or larger operations managing dozens of colonies, this drone frame offers a practical, reusable, and eco-conscious approach to Varroa mite control that fits naturally into routine hive management practices.

Check price at Amazon

Compare tray