These dust particles are then transferred back to the hive and stored along with the pollen. This can cause an entire colony to collapse if the pollen is fed to the queen or the brood. Many of the newer pesticides being marketed today have a faster residual time which is the time required to reduce the activity of the chemical to safer levels for bee activity. When these pesticides are sprayed in the fields, it takes only a few hours for them to degrade as opposed to a few days or weeks. Finally, the method of application can also change the risk of pesticide poisoning.
Aerial applications have the highest potential risk for causing bee kills.
Most bee kills occur when the pesticide drifts or moves from the target area into the apiary or onto crops attractive to the bees. The outcome of drift can be catastrophic. Spraying during windy days greatly increases the risk of drift. Using granular formulations, soil treatments or equipment that confines the spray to the intended target can help reduce the risk of drift from pesticides. The location of your apiary is probably the most important factor in eliminating the risk of pesticide poisoning.