Honeybees and pesticides are mortal enemies. They are also among a farmer’s very best friends. Wouldn’t it be something if we could help them get along?
Clemson University specialists are experimenting with a way to do just that.
They’ve established a pilot program for beekeepers and pesticide applicators to compare notes online in an effort to reduce accidental poisoning of honeybees and their hives.
“We’re trying to protect the honeybee. That’s what this is all about,” said Brad Cavin, who leads apiary inspections for the Department of Plant Industry, a Clemson unit that carries out state regulatory functions. “We want to develop a partnership of farmers, beekeepers, pesticide applicators to identify where bee yards are located.”