When I got my first hive, I was determined to be as all natural and no treatment. Then i got a fairly big infestation. I agonized until a very wise lady beekeeper reminded me that there are no absolutes and sometimes it's better to treat than not and not to kill myself over it. We're beekeeping here, not saving lives :) (well, in the short run). Since I only had the one hive and didn't want to lose it, I ended up treating with api-guard and it seemed to work.
Then I got my second (and then shortly, my third) hive. I decided that now the risk was worth it, as I had back up hives and could see what happened and I decided not to treat any more. I didn't even sugar dust. ( I was lucky to be able to introduce some good feral / hygienic genetics into my 'yard'). That was 2 years ago. I just pulled out some drone brood and NO VARROA!!! :D :D :D. Not a one! ( I know I know, it's just after the brood break, but still - happy happy!)
Now, i'm not arrogant enough to say I've 'beaten' varroa or that I think i'm free and clear of the risk. I am well aware that many who don't treat go many years with no varroa and then can have catastrophic losses. But I am happy with my decision and please with the results so far. As I said, for me, right now, the risk is worth it. Will I NEVER treat again? I can only say, not if i can help it. But if it got to the point where i felt needed to, I probably would.
It's a hobby and a love. you make the best decisions you can at the time. Keep an eye on them, watch the counts, find good genetics when you can , and make your decisions based on what you see, what you think they need, what feels right and what you're willing to risk. Like everything in beekeeping, there's really no absolute right or absolute wrong, just different strokes for different folks. And in the end EVERYTHING is a learning experience.
Hope you enjoy your new hobby as much as I have. If you had asked me 5 years ago, I would never have told you that I would love diving into a hive of buzzing stinging insect as much as I do now!
love,
ziffa