Do not apply insecticides to crops where pollinators might be expected unless pests have exceeded recommended action thresholds.
Consider alternative control measures (e.g. early cutting in the case of alfalfa weevil).
If an insecticide treatment is absolutely necessary, make applications during early morning or late evening hours when bees are least likely to be foraging.
Avoid treating fields in which crop and/or weeds are in bloom.
If a crop in bloom (especially alfalfa) is to be treated, notify local beekeepers so their bees can be moved or confined before the application.
Read, understand and follow all label instructions concerning bee safety.
Use insecticides that are relatively safe for bees (see table).
Further Reading on Protection of Pollinators
Baxendale, F. & D. L. Keith. 1993. Avoiding Honey Bee Losses When Using Insecticides. NebGuide G93-1174-A, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.
Johansen, C. A. & D. F. Mayer. 1990. Pollinator Protection: A Bee & Pesticide Handbook. Wicwas Press, Cheshire, CT.
Mayer, D. F., C.A. Johansen, & C. R. Baird. 1996. How to Reduce Bee Poisoning from Pesticides. Western Region Extension Publication 15, Washington State University.
Product
Relative hazard to honey bees1
Product
Relative hazard to honey bees1
(Active ingredient)
(Active ingredient)
permethrin
VH
malathion
H
Asana (esfenvalerate)
VH
malathion ULV
VH
cyfluthrin
VH
oxydemeton methyl
M
Bacillus thuringiensis
L
Methyl parathion
VH
bifenthrin
VH (>0.06 lb/A)
Monitor (methamidaphos)
VH
Comite (propargite)
L
Orthene (acephate)
VH
Counter (terbufos)
(soil granule)
Penncap M (methyl parathion)
VH
dimethoate
VH
Diazinon
VH
Dibrom (naled)
H
Sevin (carbaryl)
Sevin XLR+
VH
VH (>1.5 lb/A)
Supracide (methidathion)
VH
Temik (aldicarb)
(soil granule)
Furadan (carbofuran)
VH
Thimet (phorate)
(soil granule)
azinphosmethyl
VH
endosulfan
H
Lannate (methomyl)
VH
Vydate (oxamyl)
H
chlorpyrifos
VH
Warrior (lambda‑cyhalothrin)
VH
1Based on Mayer, D. F., C.A. Johansen, & C. R. Baird. 1996. How to Reduce Bee Poisoning from Pesticides. Western Region Extension Publication 15, Washington State University. (Published bee safety information for many registered insecticides is not available.)
VH = Do not apply to blooming crops or weeds; H = Apply only during late evening; M = Apply only during late evening, night or early morning; L = Can be applied at any time with reasonable safety to bees.
