Relatively nontoxic Beekeeping is an important industry in North Dakota. Bees produce honey and they are equally important as pollinators so they aid in the production of fruits, vegetables, legume seeds and pasture crops. The honey bee is the only insect that can be moved quickly and in the desired numbers to effect the pollination of cultivated crops, commercial gardens and orchards. Many pesticides used to control weeds, plant diseases and insects can be poisonous to bees and other beneficial insects.
Most insecticides are especially injurious.
Fortunately, pesticides and other agricultural chemicals are not incorporated into the honey. Bees that collect pesticide-contaminated nectar or pollen usually die away from the hive. If foraging bees return to the hive with contaminated nectar or pollen, there are natural provisions that protect the honey from contamination. Bees will usually leave the hive if they become poisoned. Contaminated pollen may kill the nurse bees and the brood.