Beekeepers have had it tough lately, with colony collapse disorder now added to their other challenges of varroa and tracheal mites, brood diseases, and small hive beetle. Growers can take the following steps to help protect bees from ­pesticide exposure: 1. Don’t apply insecticides during bloom when bees are actively foraging. Time sprays during the bud stage or after petals have dropped. Carbaryl used as a blossom thinner can be ­hazardous to bees. 2. Move hives before spraying or cover with wet burlap prior to spraying, keeping hives covered for two to three days. Don’t use plastic sheeting as it can result […]