Being able to recognize that something is amiss is an important skill to have in beekeeping. This is the primary reason that a lot of beekeepers recommend that, when beginning, its important to keep at least two, and preferably three or more, hives. That way you can compare them to one another, and determine which is "normal".
It's also an important reason to work with a mentor, or someone who can help you recognize something is problematic.
In lieu of this, you have numerous sources on the internet, numerous book, and few magazines. All at your disposal; use them. The answers are out there.
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Okay. With this in mind, you need to decide WHICH method of treatment works best for your core beliefs. (Did you know you needed core beliefs?):
Do you wish to subscribe to the belief that medications are necessary to keep your bees alive, and are you willing to medicate with drugs and chemicals, which costs time and money, and provides no hard guarantees?
Or, do you choose to treat ONLY when you see a problem, sometimes needing to use harsh chemicals to provide results, and sometimes treating a problem too late for it to be of any use?
Or, will you choose to medicate for nothing, with the belief that losses incurred will eventually help strengthen the overall gene pool, along with the bittersweet benefit of saving the money that would otherwise go toward medications?
The choice (or combination of choices) is yours.
Welcome to Farming.
DS