Which statement about protecting bees from pesticide injury is true?

• A. Apply insecticides in the evening or at night
• B. Apply during peak bee foraging
• C. Avoid any bee-avoidance practices
• D. Use only organophosphate products during day

Answer: (A)

Protecting bees from pesticide injury hinges on applying pesticides when bees are not foraging. Bees are most active during daylight, visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. If spraying happens when bees are foraging, residues on blooms or drift can directly harm workers or contaminate pollen and nectar brought back to the hive. Applying insecticides in the evening or at night minimizes bee exposure because bees are largely inactive then, and the spray has time to dry or degrade before bees return to flowers.

The other ideas increase risk. Spraying during peak foraging exposes bees when they’re most likely to contact residues. Ignoring bee-avoidance practices removes practical safeguards that reduce exposure. Using more toxic options like organophosphates during the day can be especially hazardous to bees, since these compounds can be highly toxic to pollinators and daytime application increases the chance of contact.

So, evening or night applications align with protecting bees by reducing exposure opportunities.