Honey bees and other insect pollinators provide important pollination services to millions of acres of fruit, nuts, vegetables and other flowers across North America. Insect pollinators are attracted to a variety of blooming flowers on crops, trees, shrubs, weeds and native vegetation and will visit multiple plant species for nectar and pollen throughout the growing season.

It’s important to follow best-management practices when using neonic products, including treated seed and foliar applications, to protect pollinators this planting season. To help growers and applicators remember to be good stewards, the Growing Matters coalition launched its BeSure! stewardship-awareness campaign. Listen for more information below:

Be sure to follow this insect pollinator protection checklist as you spray your fields this season:

1. Read and follow the pesticide label and use products wisely.
2. Determine if the pesticide may be harmful to insect pollinators.
3. Understand insect pollinator visitation habits.
4. Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
5. Follow pesticide product stewardship practices.
6. Cooperate and communicate in a timely manner with stakeholders in a pesticide application area.
7. Understand the signs of pesticide exposure to bees and other disorders that may cause similar effects.
8. Check state and local ordinances pertaining to insect pollinators.

For more information on responsible stewardship practices to use this planting season, visit https://growingmatters.org/besure.

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