Varroa mites can get into hives through various means. They are typically introduced to a hive by infested bees or beekeeping equipment, such as used frames or combs. They can also be introduced through robbing or drifting, when bees from an infested colony enter a neighboring colony and spread the mites.
Once inside the hive, varroa mites can quickly spread and reproduce, laying eggs on developing larvae or adult bees. The mites can move around the hive by clinging to bees and can hide in the crevices between frames or in the brood cells.
Varroa mites can rapidly increase in numbers if left untreated, leading to a significant impact on the health and productivity of the colony. Beekeepers need to be vigilant in monitoring their hives for signs of mite infestations and take proactive measures to prevent their spread, such as using screened bottom boards, avoiding the transfer of used equipment from infested colonies, and implementing regular mite control treatments such as oxalic acid vaporization.