On 16 April, Chris Slade wrote: "I expect it would be regarded as good hygienic practice to have your top bars as clean as possible by dribbling oxalic acid solution on them." Chris' strategem for using oxalic acid is ingenious but would not stand up in court once it was known he is an expert beekeeper. It would be helpful to know whether UK beekeepers using oxalic before DEFRA updates its guidance in 'Managing Varroa' are covered by the public liability insurance provided through BBKA if a customer or parent of a child in a school beekeeping class complains, but it is usually difficult to get a ruling before an incident has occurred. I rang the National Bee Unit to ask if there is progress towards authorising oxalic now that the scientific study identified by Bill Truesdell has been published. An answer is unlikely before Easter. Robin Dartington :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::