The assumption is that healthy strong colonies begin to invade mite weakened colonies and pick up loads of mites that way. This seems to agree with what we observe in NYS. Despite very low levels during spring and summer, mite levels skyrocket in August. 

This is why the MAQs are a Godsend. They can provide a severe knockdown of mites when it is needed the most. In our area, waiting until after the flow ends means being too late to control mites, since the goldenrod can go until the end of September. Controlling mites in August is crucial to having healthy hives in October.  

PLB

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