I'd like to know who the undecided ones are ... Don't deserve to enjoy having the poor little critters imho.
How would that help you? Not a jot, I would suggest.
For those out there that snidely try to take swipes at those that do not treat with oxalic acid - here is my take on it, and any comments such as above.
I have oxalic acid and have used it by spraying, sublimating or trickling in the past.
I would use it if deemed necessary. I prefer not to use it, and have not used it at all during the last five years Not needed; only lost one colony over winter in the last 5 years and not vasrroa related! I do not treat with chemicals, particularly anything which may adversely affect the bees, more than is necessary (it's called balancing the risks).
Trying to kill off a relatively small number or of mites in this way is not high on my priorities. Given a very short time and there will be more. So, I keep the infestations at a low level all the year round by using other methods.
Go figure the difference. There may be a few more mites in my colonies in March/April/May, but a lot of those that use oxalic (not all, of course) do b****r all until they treat with thymol next August /September, when they likely have more mites to deal with than I have with mine.
Then, surprise, surprise, they find that the apiguard was not as efficient as they had been led to believe, so more than expected mites (likely more than in mine) are left for that important 'winter bee rearing' period.
Thanks very much. You now know that I have been undecided and that I am not going to treat (just like the last five winters). How does that help you? I give as much credit to your 'humble opinion' as I see fit. Not much, I'm afraid.
RAB