Although insecticides are not routinely applied during bloom, it is important to recognize that many pesticides applied to citrus are toxic to honeybees. The insecticides may cause significant bee death while they are foraging in sprayed orchards or through contamination of water or pollen brought back to the hive. The grower and beekeeper should cooperate closely to minimize bee losses. If applications are needed, apply when the fewest bees are foraging. To prevent heavy losses of bees, don't allow pesticides to drift onto colonies.
Bees often cluster on the front of their hives on hot evenings.
Pesticide drift or direct spray at this time generally results in high levels of mortality. Where insecticides are needed, consider their toxicity. For specific hazard ratings of pesticides to honeybees, refer to the pesticide recommendation table. Many pesticides have special precautions listed on the label that should be considered prior to their use. Failure to completely follow label guidelines may resuIt in excessive residues at harvest, plant injury, poor pest control or undue hazards to non-target organisms including the applicator.