Oxalic - Now or wait?

[RoofTops]

The 15/85 rule is just a generalisation, in winter the ratio is likely to be significantly different as there will be much less brood for the mites to enter - leaving more phoretic mites.

As has been said numerous times - just treat them and end of Dec/early Jan is the usual period recommend. Even if you only get half the mites that is a lot better than leaving them but you are more likely to get 85% to 90%.

 

[richardbees]

I follow the rationale that the Q stops laying at the first frost - so treat 21days after this when there'll be no sealed brood.

 

[bobandbec]

Between Xmas and the New Year, early on a good cold but sunny day before the bees venture out.

Peter