> The  2.5 number was the amount that successfully emigrated from any one hive,  why do you think it would be any different in a "typical apiary"???

Look, that was one study, not the Gospel. Of course, the value would be different in any other apiary and in the same apiary at different seasons. It may be impossible to accurately assess the numbers of mites migrating without some way to mark them. 

This is how science works: You see something, you get an idea about what's going on, and you try to gather data to confirm or deny your hunch. A few data sets is not considered proof for or against, especially in a dynamic system like this where large scale operations are moved in and out of regions like mine. 

On the other hand, I worked as a state bee inspector and more often than not, I saw colonies collapsing in late summer with heavy mite loads. These were no-treat hobbiests, and large scale operators managing too many hives. Neglect for whatever reason leads to colony collapse. 

I have observed that I pick up deer ticks in the early spring and late fall, but not in summer. The ticks may be deliberately changing hosts at these times. It is not far fetched to imagine the bees from collapsing colonies winding up in healthy hives, particularly if the bees are sick and disoriented. 

PLB

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