Georgia has launched a program to educate growers, homeowners, and bee keepers alike about protecting our very important pollinators.  Just in the case you are not aware; there has been national outcry in regards to our declining bee populations.  Many factors contribute to this trend with agricultural pesticides playing their part but by far are not the largest contributors.   Pesticides are being targeted because it makes the most sense to the average person I suppose.  I mean, bees (insects) are dying and we do spray products that kill (insects), so I can see their point.  On the other hand, with some simple education and awareness of cultural practices that can mitigate pesticide exposure to bees we can safely apply insecticides with minimal impact on bee populations. I have attached an bulletin from Clemson University that sheds light on some of the practices I mentioned earlier, and also a very helpful chart that lists various insecticides toxicity towards bees.  The second link will take you to the booklet the University of Georgia put out this year with similar information and plans to help you protect our pollinators.  With every ones help we can continue to apply pesticides safely to produce agronomic crops sustainably, while keeping our pollinators in mind.

Clemson bulletin_5_protecting_honeybees

 

PollinatorBookletforweb2

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