Protecting honey bees from pesticides
Beekeepers operating apiaries where pesticides are used must protect their bees.
How beekeepers can protect bees
- Place apiaries in sheltered areas, away from crops and fields that are likely to be treated with pesticides.
- Ensure bees have a water source that can't be reached by any pesticides.
- Inspect apiaries regularly and look for pesticide damage.
- Keep a reserve apiary holding area at a minimum of 7 km away. You can move apiaries to the holding area to protect them from pesticides.
- Wait for residual pesticide effects to pass before moving apiaries back into an area where pesticides have been used.
- Learn the names, application dates, and toxicity of pesticides being used in your area.
- Identify your apiaries with a sign showing your name, beekeeper registration number, and contact number.
It is also essential to publicise your apiaries to anyone likely to be using pesticides, including:
- property owners within bee flight range
- contractors using pesticides near your apiaries
- the Department for Environment and Water
- your local council.
Give the following information to the above groups:
- your property name and address
- your contact details
- dates that hives will be moved on and off the property.
How pesticide applicators can protect bees
- Only apply pesticides when needed.
- Follow instructions on pesticide labels. Information about bees can be found in the livestock protection part of the label.
- Choose pesticides with the lowest hazard rating for bees and the lowest residual toxic effect.
- Apply pesticides when bees are not actively foraging in the crop. Low-hazard products can be used in the morning. Pesticides with residual effects of a few hours can be used when bees have stopped flying for the day – in the afternoon or early evening.
- Give beekeepers at least 48 hours' notice of pesticide application and advise them of the pesticide being used.
- Make sure pesticides do not drift over apiaries or areas where bees may be foraging.
- Do not contaminate water supplies near apiaries.
How crop growers can protect bees
- Inform beekeepers of pesticide use on your property.
- Tell contract pesticide applicators about any apiaries.
- Give beekeepers at least 48 hours' notice of pesticide application.
- Use buffer zones and buffer plantings to protect non-target crops and native vegetation used by foraging bees.
- Plan control programs before or after beehives have been in the area if possible.
Contact
PIRSA Rural Chemicals Program
Address: 33 Flemington Street, Glenside
Phone: (08) 8207 7983
Page last reviewed: 20 Sep 2022