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Sun, 11 Aug 2013 11:43:56 -0400 |
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Our main research beeyard is located between two 18 hole golf courses. We
frequently take samples and have them analyzed for pesticides. The only
problem we've seen - when we get a long, cool, wet spring, the course sprays
for mosquito control. They don't spray in dry years. The mosquito control
hasn't caused any measurable problem in our hives, but we do pick up some
low level amounts of residue in forager bees for a few days after spray.
Since your golf course has been there for years, it should be relatively
easy to determine whether they started using any new pesticides in recent
years. Other than mosquito control, about the only insecticides we've
encountered at golf courses, when I was doing pollution studies, were used to
kill grubs that damage the grass.
However, if you are across the street from a golf course, that suggests you
are in an urban setting. I'd suspect an over-zealous gardener. Also,
any new, heavy industry show up?
But why guess - sample your bees and send them to Gastonia. For the price
of a fill-up of gas in your pickup (I assume you have one since you have
to move hives), you can get a broad spectrum chemical analysis.
If the report comes back with a hit on a chemical (s) not used by the golf
course, look elsewhere. If no significant levels (remember you'll see
traces of many chemicals, that's been true for decades) - the issue is whether
there's any at chemicals at levels likely to cause harm, then look to you
own management.
One problem we see is a twist on the cobbler's children. The yard nearest
home is the one you're always going to check - tomorrow.
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