How can nontarget injury to honeybees from insecticide application be minimized?

Applying treatments before 7 AM and after 7 PM helps minimize nontarget injury to honeybees because these times generally correspond to periods when bee activity is lower. During early morning hours and late evening, many bees are either not yet active or have returned to their hives for the day. This timing reduces the likelihood of bees coming into contact with the insecticide during application, thereby decreasing the risk of exposure and potential harm to the bee population.

In contrast, higher application rates may lead to greater quantities of pesticide in the environment, increasing the chances of nontarget exposure. Spraying during peak bee activity would directly coincide with the times when bees are most active and foraging, which poses a significant risk of exposure. Lastly, applying insecticides in windy conditions can cause the product to drift to unintended areas, further heightening the risk of harming nearby bee populations.