Minimizing Honey Bee Exposure to Pesticides

Abstract

Protecting honey bees and other pollinators from pesticide impacts is important to the sustainability of agriculture. Consequently, pesticide applicators must determine if there is a clear hazard to managed or wild populations of bees. Potential exposure of bees to pesticides can vary greatly depending on the type of pesticide, formulation, application method, label restrictions, and other factors. The goal in using a pesticide is to achieve maximum benefit (success) with minimum negative impact, and these factors should always be considered in pesticide selection. This publication is written (1) to help assure the sustainability of both bees and agriculture by informing beekeepers, pesticide users, and the general public about the often complex relationship between pollinators (specifically bees) and pesticides, (2) to offer guidance for improved communication between beekeepers and pesticide users, (3) to offer pollinator risk-reducing strategies for growers and other applicators when using pesticides, and (4) to provide clarity in laws, labeling, and associated definitions. This 14-page fact sheet was written by J. D. Ellis, J. Klopchin, E. Buss, F. M. Fishel, W. H. Kern, C. Mannion, E. McAvoy, L. S. Osborne, M. Rogers, M. Sanford, H. Smith, P. Stansly, L. Stelinski, and S. Webb, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2014.
 ENY-162/IN1027: Minimizing Honey Bee Exposure to Pesticides (ufl.edu)

The Exposure of Pesticides to Honeybees: A Global Threat to Food Security

“…Therefore, within a radius of 5 miles (8 km) around the hive, an actively feeding colony can cover a territory up to 80 miles (201 km 2 ) in size. Bees are more likely to come into contact with pesticides and other environmental contaminants in the foraging area during foraging hours and at the sites of interaction (flora, pollen, nectar, water and propolis) (Ellis et al, 2014) (Fig. 2).…”

“…Dust is more dangerous than liquid formulations. This is because these chemicals can drift with air currents and reach and penetrate bee colonies (Ellis et al, 2014).…”

Evaluating the Impact of Commonly Used Pesticides on Honeybees (Apis mellifera) in North Gonder of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

“…Although the putative causes of colony loss are still unclear, the combined efects of climate change, intensive agriculture, pesticides use, pest and pathogens, and biodiversity loss are some risk factors for global honeybee loss [12]. Earlier reports suggested that the extensive exposure of bees to pesticide incidents would possibly be a major factor for honeybee loss and colony decline [13][14][15][16][17]. In Ethiopia, widespread reports indicate that exposure to commonly used agricultural pesticides has been linked to the dramatic honeybee deaths and colony decline than any other factors in the country [18][19][20][21].…”