What is the best recommended time for applying pesticides to protect bees from injury?

Applying pesticides in the evening or early morning is considered the best practice for protecting bees from injury. During these times, bees are typically less active or have not yet emerged from their hives, which significantly reduces the likelihood of them coming into direct contact with pesticide applications.

This timing helps mitigate the risk of exposure when bees are foraging, as they are most active during the warm and sunny parts of the day. Additionally, applying pesticides during cooler times can lead to better efficacy, as they are less likely to evaporate quickly or degrade due to heat, while also helping to minimize the potential for drift and non-target exposure.

Choosing to apply pesticides during rainy weather or at any time, regardless of circumstances, might not account for the activity patterns of bees, which can lead to negative impacts on bee populations. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for the applicator's safety but does not mitigate the risks to the bee population associated with poorly timed pesticide applications.