OLYMPIA — A new pamphlet to help guide home gardeners on ways to protect bees and other pollinating insects from the possible effects of certain pesticides has been developed by the state Department of Agriculture.
The guide, “10 Ways to Protect Bees from Pesticides,” offers information on pesticide use and bees, websites with information on the topic and tips to reduce the risk to bees.
One tip is to avoid applying pesticides to plants when they are in bloom, since this is when bees are most likely to visit the plants.
Another tip urges home users to read pesticide labels closely and look for specific instructions regarding the protection of bees and pollinators.
The pamphlet is available by clicking: www.tinyurl.com/BeePamphlet. Or by emailing pestreg@agr.wa.gov or by phoning 360-902-2078.
“There has been a growing concern about the health of bees and other pollinators in Washington and across the country,” WSDA Director Bud Hover said.
“Our agriculture community and our environment need these pollinators, and sharing information like this is one way we can help more people do their part to protect our bees.”
Crop value
It is estimated that the value of the crops pollinated by bees in Washington state was more than $2.75 billion in 2011.
While no large bee deaths have been reported in Washington in recent years, there has been a general decline in the state’s bee population and significant bee death incidents elsewhere.
According to pollinator experts, the possible reasons for the decline of honeybee colonies may include parasites, disease, genetics, poor nutrition and pesticides.
In mid-August, the federal Environmental Protection Agency announced new pesticide labels that prohibit the use of some neonicotinoid pesticides where bees are present.
