Be Advised...

Aerial spraying to begin on Monday, October 6th was
announced by the Virginia State Apiarist (Keith Tignor)
at 3:21pm today (Friday, October 3rd).

I know Keith, so I'd guess that he was not informed until
3:20pm, and sent the message out as quickly as he could.

Dontcha just love the advance notice?

The area to be sprayed is "Eastern Virginia".
Counties are listed below.

The time of spraying is 6:30pm to 11:00pm, which is
"close", but is still a violation of EPA label
requirements, given that the sun sets on October 6th
at 6:54pm.  The sun will not set at 6:30pm or later
until on October 24.

If you know any beekeepers in Eastern Virginia, you may
want to forward this to them or call them.  Temperatures
for the spraying period are within bee flight range (for
example, Norfolk, VA had a high of 67°F and a low of 53°F
yesterday), so screening entrances seems to be the only
practical defense.

        jim (In WESTERN Virginia, where there are rumors
           of at least one beekeeper with an FIM-92
           Stinger missile ready to deal with any attempted
           daylight aerial spraying.)

===========================================================

> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Keith Tignor
> Sent: Friday, October 03, 2003 3:21 PM
> Subject: Mosquito Control Schedule in Virginia
>
>
> It's been a long summer with above normal rainfall throughout
> the state. Hurricane Isabel is adding to the misery. The
> Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is scheduling aerial
> mosquito pesticide application in high risk areas in response
> to increased health risks due to mosquito populations after
> Hurricane Isabel. These include areas of high human
> populations on wet or low lying land. Beekeepers in such
> areas should take proper precautions to protect their bees
> and themselves from adverse effects of the pesticide. A VDH
> public release regarding the control program is attached to
> this email.
>
> VDH is working with local agencies to reduce negative impacts
> of pesticides to the bee population while keeping mosquito
> dangers at a minimum. Aerial application will be restricted
> to between 6:30 pm and 11:00 pm beginning next Monday,
> October 6. Notification of spray activity will be published
> in area newspapers, with local health/mosquito control
> agencies, and other appropriate means. 251,000 sq. miles in
> approximately 20 Counties and Cities have been identified as
> high risk areas for mosquito concerns. Applications will not
> occur is temperatures are below 55 F or winds greater than 10
> mph. Your cooperation with state and local agencies benefit
> you, the agencies, and the general public.
>
> Areas currently being considered for mosquito control by VDH
> are: Brunswick Co., Caroline Co., Franklin City,
> Fredericksburg City, Gloucester Co., Halifax Co., Isle of
> Wight Co., James City Co., King George Co., Lancaster Co.,
> Mecklenberg Co., Poquoson Co., Portsmouth Co., Southampton
> Co., Spotsylvania Co., Stafford Co., Suffolk City, Sussex
> Co., and York Co. Again, only specific areas in these
> localities are scheduled for pesticide application. Local
> officials may be considering additional mosquito control
> measures. Contact local health/mosquito control agencies to
> determine if you or your hives will be directly affected by
> the state or local programs.
>
> The pesticide to be used, Dibrom, is listed as highly toxic
> to honey bees. The method of application planned by VDH is
> designed to lower possible toxic effects to beneficial
> insects and other natural resources in the state. To prevent
> hive loss from pesticide poisoning move hives to a safe
> location, at least 5 miles away from the spray area.
> Unfortunately, this is not always practical or feasible. As
> an alternative, bees may be confined for short periods to
> reduce exposure to pesticides by sealing entrances to the
> hive. Be sure the hive does not overheat. On warm days, cover
> the hive with a wetable tarpaulin or blanket and water it
> down periodically. The evaporation of the water will cool
> down the hive.
>
>
> Sincerely,
> Keith Tignor
> State Apiarist/Endangered Species Coordinator
>
> VA Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
> Office of Plant and Pest Services
> P.O. Box 1163
> Richmond, VA 23218
>
>   Phone: (804) 786-3515
>   Fax number: (804) 371-7793
>   Website: www.vdacs.state.va.us

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