Another varroa question

[Wyo]

I know that each colony is different and independent of others, but if there is a group of say 6 or 7 hives side by side (or at least in close proximity) are they likely to have similar Varroa infestations? If there were heavy mite drop on one hive (say with a screened bottom so you could count) would it be as likely that the others had a similar problem? I would also ask the same question of tracheal mites. At this point its just a hypothetical question, but it’s something I was thinking about the other day.
Thanks!

[Ravenseye]

I'll answer from my own experience which is that I often see differences between colonies that are just feet apart. There are some obvious reasons such as how long the colony has been established and the amount of brood in one colony compared to another. An argument could be made relative to hygienic genes, etc. However, I've seen two packages that were hived the same time having significantly different mite loads a couple of months later. Amount of brood, etc. seemed roughly the same. I always remind myself that backyard science is not perfect so the results may have a bit to do with testing and not necessarily the conditions of the colony. Nevertheless, I do my best and manage them accordingly. In my opinion, you can't use one hive to model your treatments across all your colonies. Not sure about the tracheal mite question.

[Oldtimer]

Agree with that.

As a part time job I test mite levels in hives as part of our governments disease surveillance program. There are often differences between one hive and another.

Very occasionally, we'll do a yard where the hives have moderate or major infestations, but there will be one hive with virtually nothing. I've considered approaching the owners of some of these hives to see if I could use that queen as a breeder, but so far haven't had time to follow through on it.

[Ted Kretschmann]

Mite loads even get more interesting between colonies if you are pallatized. TK

[honeyshack]

There are so many variables. From the amount of food in the hive, pollen included to the age of the queen, to quality of her mating flight ( her age, if she was an emergency supercedure cell, or swarm cell or a good quality supercedure cell, the number of drones she mated with). And so much more.
If all the variables are the same, then the mite loads would be close. Take out a variable and it changes the hive and the ability to withstand the mites.

Add in noseam and virus loads and these can change the variables between hives

[PDG honey]

Yes there is alot of variables. Mainly genetics. There is one thing. Drones. They can travel from one hive to another. Treat the problem in the hive that has the mites. It's not worth risking spreading them to other hives. Doesn't mean there not good bees it just happens. They can gain the genetic behavior.