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Communication the key to protecting bees

Tactics that can reduce the risks to bees for the agricultural chemical users and apiarists

By Portal Admin - 8th November 2016 - Back to News

Producers and apiarists can gain significant benefits from working together to protect bees so that hives are not placed close to crop-spraying activity and crop owners may spray without knowing the potential threat to nearby hives.

For agricultural chemical users, a number of tactics can reduce the risk to bees:

Advise apiarists of your crop-spraying plans with as much notice as possible

Use pesticides only when needed and according to the label directions

Use a pesticide formulation and application that minimises potential harm

Ensure pesticides do not drift from the target area

Ensure sprays do not contaminate water supplies

Similarly, apiarists can use a range of tactics to protect their hives:

Before placing hives in or near crops, work with landholders to establish a mutually acceptable chemical program

Leave your full, written contact details with the landholder

Understand the chemical being used and avoid returning bees to a sprayed area before the risk to bees has dissipated

Establish a holding area at a safe distance from the crop

Ensure bees have access to residue-free water

Inspect hives regularly

To report symptoms of bee poisoning, contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or visit Agriculture Victoria website

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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