Hi
 That was a very interesting post.The fall treatment here in western
washington is a must. Winter loss rate went up 4 to 5 times after the
tracheal mite showed up here in the NW.
 I hear from other beekeepers in the area that one spraying of a mixture
of sugar water and pepermint extract in the fall works for them. I have
not tried it. I don't put anything on my bees without some research It
seems like a fast way to treat for the tracheal mite.
 
Roy