Think of bees before you spray

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

As pesticide spraying hits full swing in Saskatchewan, an expert in apiculture is reminding producers to keep pollinators in mind before they spray.

While Saskatchewan has not seen the kind of bee colony collapses that have impacted bee keepers in other provinces and U.S. states, the damage from insecticide application can take a toll on both honey production and pollination benefits.

Apiculturist John Gruszka with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food says timing is a big factor.

“We are most concerned about pesticide application in July and August, when our honey crop is being produced and our colonies are at maximum population,” he said. “To lose those insects will have a direct and severe impact on honey production.”

Gruszka says the resulting loss in production is worse than most would think.

“If the damage is severe enough, you may lose the entire field population, and it will be two weeks before the next bees are ready to take over. If this happens in the middle of July, you have lost potentially 50 or 60 pounds of honey production, and that is significant,” he noted.

Gruszka concedes farmers have to be able to control pests as the need arises, but a few simple adjustments can help limit the risk of accidentally killing bees.

“What farmers can do is spray late in the evening or early in the morning when the majority of the bees are in the hive. They can also use insecticides that have the least residuals. The worst, of course, is when spraying takes place in the middle of the afternoon.

It is important to talk to the beekeeper if you anticipate the need to carry out control measures for crop insect pests. With some advance warning, the beekeeper can work with the crop producer to minimize damage to the bee operation.

Saskatchewan produces some of the highest quality honey in the world. The province’s northern location and long, warm summer days, coupled with its skilled bee keepers, help to produce more honey per hive than any jurisdiction in Canada.

The province has about 1400 beekeepers and approximately 100,000 hives. On average the Province produces about 18.5 million pounds of honey annually.

In addition to honey production, the bee industry is important for pollination of flowering crops whether that is a crop like canola or specialty crops like borage, fruit and vegetables.

For more information, contact:
John Gruszka, Provincial Specialist – Apiculture
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 953-2790
E-mail: jgruszka@agr.gov.sk.ca