June 19, 2003

 

Protect Bees When Using Insecticides

Farmers hiring an applicator to spray their fields should alert beekeepers with hives in the intended spray area so they can take appropriate protective measures, according to Andrew Thostenson, North Dakota State University Extension pesticide program specialist. "Since the hives may have to be moved, the beekeeper should be given notice at least one to two days before spraying."

If hives cannot be adequately protected by moving or covering before spraying begins, the applicator should be alerted to the exact location of the hives so that they will not be contaminated by direct spraying or drift.

The timing of the application is important, Thostenson says. "Never spray a crop in bloom unless it's absolutely necessary. If it is, spray when there will be minimal bee activity, preferably during the evening hours. Evening spraying also allows the insecticide to dry on the crop before bee activity begins the next morning."

Modify control programs according to weather. Cold temperatures prolong the residual of insecticide while warm temperatures tend to break down insecticides more rapidly. Warm temperatures in late afternoon, early evening or early morning can "hold" bees in blooming fields for longer periods. Pay attention to wind direction and velocity in relation to nearby bee yard locations.

Beekeepers should be prepared to take steps to reduce the poisoning risk if an insecticide with high toxicity to bees is to be used in an area where bees are foraging, Thostenson says. "Select an apiary location with low pesticide risk whenever possible and notify growers and commercial applicators in the area as well as register your hives with the office of the state apiary director. Registering hives is mandatory. It is the law.

Beekeepers should sure their current address and phone number is legibly printed on their hives so that they can be quickly contacted prior to a pesticide application.

"Learn as much as you can about the pesticides being used in your area," Thostenson says.

"If long residual pesticides with high bee toxicity are being applied to area crops, it may be best to move your hives out of the area if possible. The new site should be at least three miles away from the spray area.

Beekeepers may be able to confine their bees until the danger has passed if the pesticide being used has a short residual life. However, beekeepers should make sure the hive does not overheat if the bees are confined.

Pollen traps may help reduce the amount of contaminated pollen admitted into the hives to minimize losses.

"Get to know the applicators that spray near your beeyards," Thostenson says. "They are as interested in protecting your bees as you are."

Applicators who are unsure of where beehives are located should find out by consulting with farmer-customers or contacting the state apiary director, Judy Carlson, at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, (800) 242-7535 or (701) 328-4997 or e-mail jcarlson@state.nd.us

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Source: Andrew A. Thostenson, (701) 231-7180, athosten@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu