Hi Harry, If the strips are handled without gloves, some people, after extensive contact with Apistan/Bayvarol may develop a slight itchy rash on the hands. This is a temporary reaction which is not serious but may be bloody annoying. Therefore, wear gloves while handling Apistan, as it says on the label. Best regards, Max In message <[log in to unmask]>, Harry Goudie <[log in to unmask]> writes >I notice that the instructions on Bayvarol and Apistan require that the user >wears gloves when handling these substances. I also note that many >subscribers to this list do not wear gloves when examining their bees. It >seems to me that if you use any of these chemicals then the whole hive, >frames etc will be contaminated with these substances and you must surely >be exposed to them. >Can anyone tell me what the symptoms are of Flumethrin or Fluvalinate >poisoning are? Has there been any reports of health problems associated >with any of these products? >Harry -- Dr Max Watkins Director, Vita (Europe) Limited Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 7RD, UK Tel 44 (0) 1256 473 177 Fax 44 (0) 1256 473 179