Help Protect Honey Bees from Pesticides

Help protect our valuable honey bees from pesticides,” said Mike Hood, Clemson Extension entomologist and state apiculturist. “Honey bees are our most beneficial insect.”

The estimated value of honey bee pollination in the United States is $14 billion, according to Hood. Many commercially grown crops in South Carolina are heavily dependent on honey bees for good pollination. Annual farm cash receipts of honey bee pollinated crops harvested in the state are estimated at $25 million. This doesn’t include home-grown vegetables and fruits and plants for wildlife.

Some of the fruits and vegetables that are highly dependent on bees for pollination are apples, cantaloupes, cucumbers, squash, strawberries and watermelon.

“Many pesticides are extremely toxic to bees,” Hood said. “These pesticides will have a bee protection warning statement on the label. The pesticide applicator should always review the product label directions carefully before each use and follow the guidelines to protect our pollinators, which include bumble bees as well.”

The kind and amount of pesticides are important, according to Hood. They should be used only when necessary, especially if flowering plants are present that are attractive to bees. Hood recommends the following if it is necessary to use pesticides:

• Select the least toxic pesticide and the least hazardous method of application.
• Granular pesticide formulations are safest.
• Directed sprays applied with ground equipment are the next safest method.
• Aerially applied dusts or sprays are the most likely to cause problems.
• Apply pesticides when the air is calm to reduce drift into areas where bees may be foraging or nesting.
• Apply in the late afternoon or evening when bees are not present.
• If managed bee colonies are present, it is best to give the beekeeper three to four days notice of your intentions to apply pesticides. Beekeepers are advised to cooperate with growers to help protect bees.

“Many of the pesticides used to kill mosquitoes will also kill honey bees,” Hood said. “Beekeepers are urged to contact officials who manage mosquito abatement programs to inform them of the location of their apiaries, so their honey bees can be protected.”

Hood recommends using integrated management recommendations whenever possible to minimize harmful effects to our beneficial insects.

For more information, contact Hood at 864-0346 or mhood@clemson.edu.