powdered sugar

[rober]

since powdered sugar works on mites that are not on brood why not use multiple dustings of that just before spring instead of O.A.?

[Bakersdozen]

rober, Randy Oliver has done some research on this.  http://scientificbeekeeping.com/powdered-sugar-dusting-sweet-and-safe-but-does-it-really-work-part-1/
This might answer your question.

[moebees]

rober, Randy Oliver has done some research on this.  http://scientificbeekeeping.com/powdered-sugar-dusting-sweet-and-safe-but-does-it-really-work-part-1/
This might answer your question.

Since the OP asked about using powdered sugar in early season (presumably while still broodless or just beginning the cycle) and the above cited study was 8 weeks at the end of the season, I think the answer is no. It doesn't answer the question.  But there isn't much evidence that powdered sugar treatments are effective so I'm not sure why the early treatment would work either.

[robo]

powder sugar is like screen bottom boards.  Just because people can rationalize how it could/should work AND want it to work doesn't mean it does.