> However, unless the
>beekeeper has sticky paper (sprayed with food oil (Pam) or something
>similar) to trap the mites, they are likely to find a way to catch a ride on
>incoming bees.
>
At this summers EAS meeting (after this was posted) it was stated that the
Varroa mite will only move a very short distance when it is questing for a
new host. If it falls past the screen of a bottom board it will never make
it out on its own. If I recall the maximum distance traveled will be 3/8 of
an inch.
This seems to be one of the best ways to get a mite. When they are looking
for a new host (questing). For example grease patties work by confusing the
tracheal mite when it is outside the bee questing for a new host. Mites
will dry out very fast when not on a host so anything that will slow the
transfer will take its toll on their populations.