To minimize harm to bees when applying turf pesticides, which practice is recommended?

• A. Do not spray any flowering plants.
• B. If the turf contains clover, mow before applying any insecticide.
• C. Use the least-toxic chemicals to bees.
• D. Spray only when bees are not foraging.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to minimize harm to bees by choosing pesticides that have the lowest toxicity to them and by following label directions. Different products differ in how toxic they are to pollinators, so selecting one with low bee toxicity reduces the risk of harming bees if they come into contact with treated surfaces, pollen, or nectar, or if drift occurs. This approach directly lowers the potential exposure level bees face, which is the most reliable way to protect them across various turf situations.

Other practices can help but aren’t as universally protective. For example, timing applications to when bees aren’t actively foraging can reduce exposure, but bees’ foraging patterns can vary and residues or drift may still affect them. Likewise, avoiding flowering plants or mowing clover before spraying are situational or less practical in many turf settings. By prioritizing products labeled as safe for pollinators or with low bee toxicity and applying strictly per the label, you achieve the strongest, general safeguard for bees.