> In the wake of large bee kills, ODA takes steps in an abundance of caution

Good idea!  This was a very unfortunate and unnecessary kill of bumblebees
due to not following label directions.  The product was labeled as toxic to
bees, yet sprayed onto linden trees in full bloom.

Of interest is that few honey bees were killed.  The linden tree secretes a
nectar that is know to be toxic to bumblebees (presumably from the
mannose).  So not clear whether some sort of synergy was involved.

And why this year, but not in others?

In any case, the foliar application of neonics onto plants that have
bee-attractive flowers, extrafloral nectaries, or that produce honeydew is
not the best use of this class of insecticide.


-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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