Subject: Time to put away the Sevin dust

    Many gardeners use Sevin dust to control garden pests. But what they may
not realize is that they cannot *legally* use this product (or any residual
insecticide) on a blooming plant that is attracting bees.  Many
bee-attractive garden plants are coming into bloom across the northern parts
of the US right now.  Here are the directions from the Sevin label:

<<BEE CAUTION: MAY KILL  HONEYBEES IN SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS.
This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues
on blooming crops or weeds. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift to
blooming crops or weeds if bees are visiting the treatment area.>>

   Note that the label directions say that the material has residual action
as well as by direct contact with bees.  The residues from Sevin will
eventually break down, but not for several days. If nectar and pollen are
contaminated, bees will die.  Dust is especially dangerous to bees because,
the bee cannot separate it from pollen. The pollen and the dust are attracted
to the bee because of static electricity, and are mixed together, raked into
the
bees' pollen baskets, and carried home to feed the babies.

   Violations of the label directions can lead to citations, fines, and
liability for your neighbor's bees.   Admittedly, citations for gardener
violations are rare, but the chances increase if your beekeeper neighbor
notices a bee kill, and calls the pesticide inspector to investigate. The
most important reason to adhere to the law, is the plain stupidity of killing
our pollinators -- biting the hand that feeds us.  You need your beekeeper
neighbor,
as well.

   Does this mean that insecticides cannot be used to control pests?   NO!

   It means you must use them intelligently.  Look at the label directions
before you purchase an insecticide. The bee directions are always under
"Environmental Hazards" because our pollinators are an environmental
resource.  If your garden is blooming, choose one that is NOT residual and
apply it after the bees are done for the day. Residual pesticides should only
be used on non-blooming plants (or plants that bees NEVER visit).


Dave Green,    SC   USA
The Pollination Home Page:
<A HREF="http://www.pollinator.com">http://www.pollinator.com</A>