All, just catching up on this conversation. The best knowledge I know
about this is from Harbo, J.R., and J.W. Harris. "Effect of screen floors on
populations of honey bees and parasitic mites (Varroa destructor)." Journal
of apicultural research 43.3 (2004): 114-117" in which they conclude
screens decrease ingress of mites into open brood cells which, of course, is
necessary for mite reproduction. I don't think the "drop through the scene"
hypothesis is well-supported.
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