Bee Hazards
Pesticides can have an adverse effect on commercial apiarist activities if adequate precautions are not observed. Adverse effects can arise from two main areas. These are:

• Pesticides being applied directly to a crop or nectar source in which bees are foraging.
• Off-target movement of pesticide during application which may affect a non-target crop or nectar source where bees are foraging or a direct overspray of the bee hives.

Registered Pesticide labels carry specific bee warnings if the product is toxic to bees along with appropriate precautions and requirements. Growers should note these warnings when reading the label and when planning a spray application.

Cotton crops
Prior to spraying, cotton growers can access information on hive location. Apiarists can register hive location online to avoid damage. Download the forms at the Cotton Catchement Communities CRC Bee Alert Web site.
Fax the forms to 02 6799 1582

Pests and Diseases
For more information on the vast array of threats facing the Honey Bee industry, see our Pests and Diseases page