>   But I wonder if dividing the
>hives annually might replicate the effect of swarming, and prevent the rapid
>build-up of mites.


When Acarapis was devastating out colonies, Webster found that his over
wintered nucs wintered better than the parent colonies. It seemed that it
was something about the nature of these small colonies. Probably the ratio
of bees to brood...too much brood hatching to be reinfested by the young
female mites. He has found the same thing happening with Varroa. The nucs
overwinter successfully, while the parent colonies do not. Again, it seems
to be the nature of these little colonies.I'm guessing because of the
delayed brood cycle not allowing the population of Varroa to explode.
Similar in effect to your Arnot bees swarming, and rearing new queens.
Mike


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