In a message dated 95-08-31 09:51:13 EDT, you write:
 
>Subj:  Sevin XLR
>Date:  95-08-31 09:51:13 EDT
>From:  [log in to unmask]
>To:    [log in to unmask]
>
>From:  [log in to unmask] (Rodney L. Holloway)
>Sender:        [log in to unmask] (Discussion of Bee Biology)
>Reply-to:      [log in to unmask] (Discussion of Bee Biology)
>To:    [log in to unmask] (Multiple recipients of list BEE-L)
>Anyone have information on Sevin XLR and effect on honey bees.
>
>Rodney Holloway
 
 
   Sevin, in any formulation is highly toxic to honeybees under the right
circumstances.  There are two critical things that need to be addressed, in
protecting bees from applications.
 
1.  Is there bloom in the application area that is attractive to bees.  If
not, there is no need to worry.  Bees will not be present in the area, and
will not contact the poison.  Application is safe and legal, as far as bees
are concerned.
 
2.  If there is bloom, that is attractive to bees, then the label is the key
to protection.  Remember that the labels give legal protection to the bees AS
THEY FORAGE, the location of the hives is irrelevant.
 
   There are two types of labels for materials that are toxic to bees; you
need to get a copy immediately.  I do not have a copy handy, so I can only
speak generally.
 
   One type indicates toxicity by direct contact only; there is no
significant residual effect.  This kind is safe (and legal) to use with some
kind of monitoring to make sure that no bees are foraging AT THE TIME OF
APPLICATION.
 
   The second type of label direction (I suspect that this formulation is the
second) also indicates toxicity by residual effect.  If there is bloom
attractive to bees, and the residual effect is longer than 12 hours, it
cannot be used upon that bloom.  It is necessary to remove the bloom if it
is, say clover or mustard in an orchard floor, wait for the end of bloom, or
switch to a less residual material.
 
   You should be aware that the label directions clearly make the applicator
responsible.  The beekeeper cannot run to *protect* the bees in each
situation where a pesticide is used.  This will bankrupt beekeepers, and this
offers no protection to wild solitary bees, bumble bees, and honeybees that
have no human defender.  The label, if it is followed, will protect them all.
 
    If your applicator is in violation of the label directions, he can be
prosecuted (and should be);  he is destroying a vital environmental resource.
 
   Please don't cave in to let the grower violate.  No bees are safe
anywhere, as long as applicators violate the law.  It is not the beekeeper's
responsibility and you will not always be notified.
 
   Applicators that demand that you protect the bees, are declaring their
intention to apply in violation.  WILLFUL misuse is a CRIMINAL violation.
 
 
[log in to unmask]         Dave Green
PO Box 1215,  Hemingway,  SC   29554