What actions are required to protect pollinators when pesticides are used?

• A. Spray during flowering if needed, ignoring label.
• B. Avoid spraying when flowering crops are attractive to pollinators if prohibited by the label, use pollinator-protection measures, and follow label restrictions.
• C. Always spray regardless of bloom.
• D. Use extra pesticide to ensure pollinators are killed.

Answer: (B)

Protecting pollinators when pesticides are used hinges on following the product label and applying pollinator-protection measures. If the label prohibits spraying flowering crops or when pollinators are active, you must avoid applying at that time and use the recommended protection steps, such as timing applications to when bees aren’t foraging, using drift-reduction practices, and adhering to any required buffers or restrictions. This approach minimizes pesticide exposure to pollinators and aligns with legal requirements, helping preserve essential pollinator services for crops and the environment.

Spraying during flowering while ignoring the label, spraying no matter the bloom, or using more pesticide to try to kill pollinators all ignore safety and regulatory guidelines and pose real harm to pollinators and ecosystems.