Peter posted the below informative site: http://www.stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk/PENotes/VarroaTreatment.htm A couple direct quotes from the site and my comments: "Oxalic acid in its crystalline form is poisonous and should be handled carefully. It should not be allowed to contact the skin and IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE DUST IS NOT INHALED" As usual on the internet no mention of use of breathing protection is talked about. Only advice to stay up wind from the dust. A cheap dust mask might be better advice if not a respirator. "Thymol is a relatively safe substance to handle WITH GLOVES but is very PUNGENT and therefore best kept out of the HOUSE". We all know wax/honey picks up smells and at least one BEE-L person has said his honey was unfit for sale after use of the method at the site due to the strong pungent smell of thymol. Hmmm. Ok for the bees house but not for the beekeepers. Hmmm. I have never used either thymol or Oxalic acid so maybe I should keep my comments to myself but do wonder about the information posted at the site. Drizzle the bees for varroa and clean your frames at the same time I suppose? Bob Ps. Maybe time to invent a new beesuit for beekeepers to protect from bee stings and chemical hazards? 1. eye protection 2. breathing hazards 3.splashing hazards 4.hand protection A NASA space suit might work. At least we could climate control the space suit which would eliminate sweat headbands and overheating hazards! :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::