This is one of the few quantitative studies that gives a sense of the 
magnitude of possible mite immigration into colonies from outside 
sources.  One thing stands out: the relatively small number of mites 
immigrated compared to the real or potential number of mites produced 
inside a colony through reproduction in brood.  Also, the number of 
immigrated mites in this study with low densities of infested colonies 
and at good distances seems much lower than those implied or measured 
in reports of "mite bombs" that overwhelm colonies.  Big picture, and 
repeating myself, the crux of the varroa problem, regardless of where 
mites come from the resident colony or from neighbors is the continued 
use of highly susceptible colonies that are mite factories.  

 

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