Choose low hazard apiary locations. Do not place bees adjacent to crops likely to be sprayed with an insecticide. Know the risks. Many crop pests can be controlled without endangering bees. Attend crop pest management training sessions to stay informed about crop pests and control measures used by growers and applicators. These sessions also provide an opportunity to establish communication links with growers and applicators. Maintain positive working relationships with applicators. Risk management decisions can best be made when both …
How can farmers, gardeners and applicators reduce risks of honey bee injury from pesticide applications?
Do not treat fields in bloom. Be especially careful when treating crops, such as alfalfa, sunflowers and canola, which are highly attractive to bees. Insecticide labels carry warning statements about application during bloom. Always read and follow the label. Examine fields and field margins before spraying to determine if bees are foraging on flowering weeds. Milkweed, smartweed and dandelion are examples of common weeds that are highly attractive to honey bees. Where feasible, eliminate blooming weeds by mowing or tillage …
Pesticides Applied to Crops and Honey Bee Toxicity
Are crop pesticides a problem for honey bees?
Managed Pollinator Coordinated Agriculture Program (CAP) Updates
A National Research and Extension Initiative to Reverse Pollinator Decline
This is part of an ongoing series of updates from the Managed Pollinator CAP. Additional installments can be found at the:
More information about the CAP can be found at:
Marion Ellis, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
*A detailed review of the literature on Pesticides and Honey Bee Toxicity by
When Varroacides Interact
Managed Pollinator Coordinated Agriculture Program (CAP) Updates
A National Research and Extension Initiative to Reverse Pollinator Decline
This is part of an ongoing series of updates from the Managed Pollinator CAP. Additional installments can be found at the:
More information about the CAP can be found at:
Reed M. Johnson, UNL
CAP Updates: 2
Reed M. Johnson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln:
- Jointly published in the American Bee Journal and in Bee Culture, December 2009