To protect honeybees from pesticides, do not apply insecticides ____________.

• A. During the month of May
• B. While crops are in bloom
• C. Within six months of harvest
• D. When the wind is from the south

Answer: (B)

Bees are most at risk when insects are sprayed during bloom, because bees are actively foraging for nectar and pollen and can bring contaminated nectar, pollen, or spray drift back to the hive. Spraying while crops are in bloom exposes the colony to residues and can cause direct toxicity to foraging bees. That makes not spraying during bloom the best practice for protecting honeybees.

Spraying during May isn’t a reliable rule since bloom timing varies by crop and location. Spraying within six months of harvest relates to harvest timing and residue concerns, not pollinator exposure. Wind direction doesn’t determine bee exposure and isn’t a key factor in protecting bees. If spraying is necessary during bloom, use products labeled for use on blooming crops and follow label directions to minimize drift and reentry exposure.