What is one important consideration for protecting bees when spraying crops?

• A. Apply during bloom to maximize pollination.
• B. Avoid application during bloom or when foraging.
• C. Use higher spray volumes.
• D. Switch to organic pesticides only.

Answer: (B)

Protecting bees when spraying crops means timing and choosing methods to minimize their exposure. Bees visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen, so spraying during bloom or when bees are actively foraging greatly increases the chances that pesticides will contact bees or contaminate nectar and pollen. This can cause acute toxicity or sublethal effects that impair foraging, navigation, brood development, or colony health. By avoiding applications during bloom or when bees are foraging, you reduce direct exposure and help preserve pollination services.

Spraying at times when bees aren’t active (such as after dusk) and using drift-reduction practices further lowers risk. The other ideas— spraying during bloom, increasing spray volumes, or switching to organic pesticides only—do not reliably protect bees, since blooms attract bees and some products can still harm them even in organic forms.