How do you deal with varroa mites?

Q. I had 5 hives several years ago but lost them to mites. I would like to get back into beekeeping. I need information on how to deal with the mites.

A. We do not currently use anything to eliminate mites. 

We feel that the immune system of the bees in the top bar hive is much stronger because we are not smoking the hive, exposing the entire hive when comb is harvested, or returning used comb back to the hive. In our experience, this has helped the bees fight off anything foreign in their hive.

I don't mean to make it sound simplistic, but it has worked for us thus far.