MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What is the best time to apply insecticides to protect bees from injury?

1. In the morning when flowers are closed

2. During the flowering stage

3. In the evening or at night

4. Midday when temperatures are highest

The correct answer is: In the evening or at night

Applying insecticides in the evening or at night is the best practice for protecting bees from injury. This timing is advantageous because bees are typically less active during these hours. In the evening, as daylight fades, many bee species return to their hives, reducing their exposure to pesticide applications. During the morning when flowers are closed, while bees may be less likely to be foraging, this timing does not take into account the potential for residual pesticide to interact with bees later in the day when they become active again. Applying insecticides during the flowering stage is risky as flowers provide essential foraging resources for bees, potentially exposing them to harmful chemicals. Midday application, when temperatures are highest, could increase the volatility of pesticides and the likelihood of drift, further endangering pollinators. Therefore, choosing to apply treatments in the evening or at night minimizes the risk to beneficial insects like bees, safeguarding their populations while still allowing for pest control measures to be effective.