Hi,
I forgot to trim content on the following, so some repetition of what
others have said:
Hi Deborah,
   The sad reality nowadays is that ALL honey bees colonies have varroa
mites. Varroa mites reproduce in the brood.  Packages and swarms have lower
levels because they have no brood.  They usually survive until the next
year.  Nucs and established colonies have higher levels because they do
have brood.  So you started with some. Mite levels increase exponentially
through the summer, along with the viruses that they vector.  So, by fall,
the biggest, strongest, most populous colonies, your favorite ones, are the
ones that crash.  It's counter intuitive, and so it can be hard to get your
mind around it.  Monitor your mite levels carefully and frequently.  Treat
when thresholds are met.  Don't wait.  If you wait, you may be able to zap
the mites back down, but they've already spread the viruses around, and
there's nothing you can do about those.  As Kim Flottum says, "Make sure
that the bees that feed the bees going into winter are healthy."
  I'm sure you have a local beekeeping group there.  The state association
usually has a list of the locals.  It's a good idea to join one.  You
probably have a couple of choices there so shop around and find the one you
like.  Use the internet wisely. Avoid personal opinions and blogs unless
they back themselves up with evidence, eg ScientificBeekeeping.com. Look
for extension, university, USDA bee labs.
   If you go with swarms, remember that you are getting an older queen with
unknown genetics wherever you are.  IMHO you're a little too close to
Africanized bee territory to be collecting swarms.  Consider package bees
from a reputable source.  A bee club can help with that.
   As for "saving the bees," you've learned that it's not that easy, and,
although your bees are likely dead, the mites may be thriving in another
unlucky hive somewhere.  This has been informally nicknamed a "mite bomb,"
and, though not studied extensively, seems to be commonplace in
urban/suburban novice beekeeping situations.  My hives have been affected.
   Another thing to consider is the *carrying capacity of your area*, that
is, the ability of your area to support a certain number of bee colonies,
feral and managed.  The more hives you put there, the thinner the resources
are stretched.  They're not infinite.
   I'm sort of a hobby/professional/educator beekeeper.  The thing I love
about beekeeping is that there are so many levels, aspects, reasons
involved, and there are always things to learn even after 33 years.
However, keeping bees is not really the best way to "save the bees".  Plant
healthy forage on your property and advocate for it in your neighborhood,
county, state.  Support the beekeepers in your area by buying honey from
them even though it costs more than the stuff from China/Costco.
   Keeping bees is the most fun you can have with your clothes on, but it's
also backbreaking, sweaty, sticky, dirty work on their schedule, not
yours.  I wouldn't trade it for any other.
Cheers,
Kristina

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