Bees
Bees are hugely important to agricultural production. In recent years, bee health in the UK and many other countries has been severely compromised. The major factor in honey bee decline is generally acknowledged as infestation with the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. In addition to Varroa, there are a number of viral and fungal diseases that are also damaging bee colonies throughout the UK.
Some have expressed concern about the potential for insecticides to have an effect on bee health. Our stewardship guidelines identify best practice, and we recommend the following to farmers or growers using our insecticides:
- Avoid spraying when bees are actively foraging.
- Spray in the evening or in the early morning when fewer bees forage. Bees usually do not forage in significant numbers at temperatures below 10°C.
- Take care to minimise drift to nearby flowering plants or hives in and around the treated field.
- Check that the wind speed is less than 5 mph; that nozzles are the correct distance from the crop; and that appropriate nozzles are being used and are properly cleaned. This is particularly important with older equipment.
- Check with beekeepers for locations of local hives: British Beekeepers’ Association (England), Welsh Beekeepers’ Association, Scottish Beekeepers’ Association, Ulster Beekeepers’ Association, and the Bee Farmers Association of UK (BFA).
- Repeat this process annually as beekeepers may change locations of hives.
- Keep local beekeepers contact details in the cab and on your mobile. Give at least 24 hours notice of spraying and provide the name and HSE number of product(s) being used.
- If using with a triazole fungicide use only approved tank-mixes.
The Crop Protection Association has produced a booklet ‘Bee Safe Bee Careful’, which can be downloaded here.
There is more information on Bee Health and Crop Protection on the Bayer Global website.
