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Q. Are my hives protected if I don’t register?

A. Both the current bee rule and the proposal are aimed at the protection of hives in registered locations only. Federal (FIFRA) label laws still apply.

Q. Why is the Bee Rule focused only on blooming crops?

A. Bees collect pollen and nectar from flowering plants. The insecticide label statements required by EPA prohibit application to blooming crops when bees are foraging or visiting the crop.

The primary benefit of the new Bee Rule is that it provides protection to foraging bees and prohibits application near registered bee hives during the time of day bees are most active. Under the existing rule insecticides could be applied at any time during the day if registered bee keepers were notified.

Q. Why is the Bee Rule focused only on commercial applicators?

A. The existing rule does not specifically identify who needs to comply. One could interpret it to mean all applicators, private, commercial, home owners, etc. The rule needs to be enforceable with reasonable expectations. The pesticide bureau does not have the capacity to monitor applications by private applicators or homeowners. Commercial applicators cover more ground than a private individual and are not always familiar with the surrounding areas near the application site. Most private applicators have more communication with their neighbors and already take steps to work with beekeepers.

Q. How do I know if insecticides labeled as toxic to bees are being applied in my area?

A. Contact the person who farms the land in question or the local ag dealer who provides services to the grower. You can also check with the local ISU Extension office on current pest problems in the area that may require insecticide applications.

Q. Who should I call if I suspect violation of the Bee Rule?

A. Pesticide-related investigations are handled through the IDALS Pesticide Bureau.

Contact the pesticide bureau at 515-281-8591 with information about non-compliance with the rule.

Sources for Further Information:

Honeybee Ecology. Seeley, TD. 1985. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ 201 pp.

ABC & XYZ of Bee Culture. 41st Edition, Shimanuki, H, Ed. et al. 2007. AI Root Company,Medina, OH 911 pp.

Hive and the Honey Bee, 10th Edition. Graham, JM, Ed. et al. 1992. Dadant & Sons, Hamilton, IL 1324 pp.

Plant Breeding Reviews, Volume 22. Janick, J. 1993. Wiley-Interscience, Hoboken, NJ 336 pp.

Ratnieks, FLW. 2000. How far do bees forage. Bee Improvement 6, pp.10-11.

Erickson, EH. 1975. Variability of floral characteristics influences honey bee visitation to soybean flowers. Crop Science 15:16, pp. 767-771.

Chiari, WC et al. 2005. Floral biology and behavior of Africanized honeybees Apis mellifera in soybean (Glycine max L. Merril). Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology 48: 3.

Robacker, DC, PK Flottum, D Sammataro, & EH Erickson. 1983. Effects of climatic and edaphic factors on soybean flowers and on the subsequent attractiveness of the plants to honey bees. Field Crops Research 6:4, pp. 267-278.

Robin Pruisner, State Entomologist

Andrew Joseph, State Apiarist

BRAZILIAN HONEY-SPICE BREAD

Printed from COOKS.COM

1/3 c. milk
2/3 c. packed brown sugar
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 c. honey
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 c. cooking oil

FROSTING: (optional):

1/3 c. sifted powdered sugar
1-2 tsp. milk
Candied fruit

In medium saucepan combine milk and brown sugar. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. In bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Gradually blend in the milk mixture, the honey, eggs and cooking oil. Turn batter into greased 8"x4"x2" loaf pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes or until done, covering with foil the last 15 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove, cool thoroughly. If desired, combine powdered sugar and enough milk to make of spreading consistency; frost cooled loaf. Decorate with fruit. Makes 1 loaf.