>Ellen Anglin wrote

We use formic acid in the Textile Lab I work in - 85% concentration.  (If I
recall correctly - we purchase it in the concentration we use because
handing, diluting and rebottling it is too hazardous.) It is handled only
inside a fume hood, and the wearer must have on heavy gloves, a full length
plastic apron, and a full face shield.<

That's my point Allen, if beekeeping apparel has to resort to these levels
of dresswear please inform me of a goat keeping, ostrich farming, or maybe a
golfing (no forget the last one) bulletin board as I want no more of this
hobby.

As for dunking your fingers in the substance to establish positive/negative
caustic action I am flabbergasted, have a gas leak - got a box of matches???

Have just returned from the Scottish Beekeepers Association meeting in
Edinburgh. A great weekend but why did someone have to ruin it by standing
up to say that oxalic acid was the ultimate cure for varroa. They were
honest enough to state that treatment much be carried out during broodless
periods, i.e. November in Scotland, and probably the majority of the UK, but
were slightly dishonest when they stated, "Just a couple of minutes work on
each hive". Anyone that can remove 10 to 12 frames in that time, spray them
with acid, replace them in the box and put the roof on again I am sure would
be welcomed as voluntary labour in any extracting room. And I know of very
few, in fact none, beekeepers who wish to carry out a full manipulation
during the winter months, surely bees are best left alone at this time.

Please note I did state, "from memory" when quoting the capacity of the
Nassenheider evaporators, 100 or 500 ml of this very caustic substance, both
would fail to improve my already grizzly looks.

I want to see the demise of the chemical strips as rapidly as anyone else
but until you can find an alternative that is as efficient, as quick and as
safe, I will remain with them.

So my final input on this subject is to use Bayvarol, Apistan, Checkmite,
Apivar or whatever treatment is APPROVED in your country, use it strictly as
recommended by the manufacturer, do not attempt shortcuts either to extend
there efficiency (have you noted that Ken - but I still plead Not Guilty -
probably a waste of time as he has already been sent to the gallows) or
reduce capital outlay, and trust that the scientists will soon come up with
an environmentally friendly but efficient alternative.

Ken Hoare