Pollinator Stewardship Learning Module

Why is it important to read and follow product labels?

Pesticide labels provide directions and information intended to protect wildlife, including bees and other pollinating insects. If the pesticide is potentially harmful to honey bees, the product label will list specific precautions that need to be taken during application.

For example:

A label may prohibit applications to blooming crops or weeds when bees are foraging in or adjacent to the treatment area.

What’s on the label?

The pesticide label contains information on proper usage to minimize risks to insect pollinators. Label language for bees and other insect pollinators can be found in one or more of the following sections in the label: Environmental Hazards, Directions for Use and the Protection of Pollinators box. In addition, there may be a bee hazard icon alerting the user to pollinator precautions.

For example:

If the pesticide is highly toxic to bees and other insect pollinators, the following language will be included on the label:

“This product is highly toxic to bees and other pollinating insects exposed to direct treatment or residues on blooming crops or weeds. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift to blooming crops or weeds if bees or other pollinating insects are visiting the treatment area.”

Similar language will be on the label if the product is moderately toxic to bees. There is no precautionary language on the label for products not toxic to bees.

Honey bees can fly several miles from their hives to find blooming flowers. Other insect pollinators, such as native bees, may stay closer to their nesting areas. The time and intensity of these visits depends on the abundance and attractiveness of the available flowers and seasonal occurrence of pollinating insects. Insects are most at risk from pesticides applied to crops or other plants that are blooming.

Before applying pesticides, be aware of the crop’s bloom stage, pollinator attractiveness and application timing on the label.

What does effective IPM entail?

An effective IPM program employs a combination of practices that control pests and minimize risks to pollinators and other beneficial insects. Use the recommended pesticide at the appropriate labeled rate with the proper timing and placement. Using pesticides below the labeled rate is not recommended, because this could result in loss of efficacy and contribute to pest resistance.

What are the components of an IPM program?

• Identification of the insect pest
• Monitoring insect pest populations
• Scouting pest and beneficial population levels
• Using Economic Threshold Levels or Action Threshold Levels to determine if the pest will cause economic damage
• Pest Control Measures, including pest-resistant varieties, biological control, cultural control and chemical control

Good stewardship practices include minimizing off-site spray drift and minimizing off-site drift of seed treatment materials, as well as being mindful of the environment, including weather and landscape.

Other stewardship tips:

• Use products based on pest effectiveness and pollinator safety
• Adjust method and timing of application to maximize pest-control benefits and minimize risk to insect pollinators
• Incorporate treated seeds into soil at proper depth and cover or remove any treated seed spills

What are steps I can take to protect pollinators from potentially harmful pesticides?

I’m a farmer or landowner...

• Determine who will contact beekeepers – you or your pesticide applicator – prior to applications
• Discuss pest-management plans involving pesticides with beekeepers in the area
• Notify beekeepers 48 hours prior to a pesticide application and, if possible, have a communication plan in place

I’m a pesticide applicator...

• Work with your customers to identify and notify beekeepers prior to pesticide applications
• Be aware of local landscape and identify locations of forage and water that may be attractive to insect pollinators, prior to applications
• Know and follow all state requirements

I’m a beekeeper...

• Work with landowners when choosing hive locations
• Ensure hives can easily be seen
• Make sure the landowner has your contact information
• Avoid placing hives in areas of increased risk to pesticides

What symptoms of pesticide exposure can be caused by other disorders?

• Excessive numbers of dead bees in front of hives: Can be caused by mite infestations, starvation and pathogens
• Lack of the usual numbers of foraging bees: Can be caused by poor weather conditions, honey bee queen issues or disruption of age-structure of worker bees
• Bees in front of hives that appear disoriented or unable to fly: Can be a sign of honey bee tracheal mite infestation, Nosema spp. infection and other disorders

State or county departments of agriculture can provide information about insect pollinator protection. Some states require that commercial honey bee operations register the apiary locations. States may also use GIS mapping programs or flags for apiary locations.

State-managed pollinator protection plans (MP3s) are designed to mitigate risk to bees and other pollinators, while also allowing farmers to manage pests. Review the MP3s of your state or tribe, if available. All stakeholders must do their part and work together to successfully achieve the desired outcome of reducing risks to pollinators, while also effectively protecting crops.

To learn more about insect pollinators and pesticide product stewardship, visit www.beehealth.org.