Varroa mites, an obligate ectoparasite of the honey bee, can cause serious damage to feral and managed colonies. Previous work has shown that mites suppress the honey bee immunity and result in increased virus titers in bees. Additionally, we have demonstrated that viruses are transmitted vertically in a colony from the queen to her eggs. Horizontal transmission within and between colonies is also possible. Here we present data demonstrating that horizontal transmission of viruses can occur between hives. Potential mechanisms for horizontal transmission include mites as vectors and transmission via food products. Viruses are detected in varroa and mite spit, suggesting that mites can vector the viruses. Kashmir bee virus, sacbrood virus and deformed wing virus are detected in honey, pollen, royal jelly, and brood food. Robbing and drifting may move mites and food products between colonies and result in virus transmission to virus-free colonies. In addition, care must be exercised by beekeepers when frames of bees, brood or honey are moved between colonies since viruses are found throughout the colony (including but not limited to honey, eggs, brood, workers, and drones) and apicultural practices may inadvertently transmit viruses (and mites) from one colony or another. Improving apiary housekeeping, e.g., removing weak colonies and empty hive equipment, will decrease the movement of mites and the transmission of viruses between colonies.