Key Takeaways
- Bee-safe insecticides are designed to be non-toxic to bees and other pollinators. They target specific pests and break down quickly without much residual effect.
- The most bee-friendly options include horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, microbial insecticides (like Bt and spinosad), and botanical insecticides (like pyrethrum and neem oil).
- Avoid broad-spectrum, persistent, and systemic insecticides that can contaminate plants and harm bees. Neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, organophosphates, and carbamates are incredibly toxic to bees.
- Apply insecticides carefully by avoiding flowering plants, spraying at night or early morning when bees are less active, never spraying directly on bees, and following all instructions on the product label.
- Most organic insecticides are bee-safe, but check the label and research the specific ingredients to ensure low toxicity before using any product around bees.
Bee-safe insecticides minimize harm to bees, either through reduced toxicity, natural formulation, or specific application methods that avoid contact with pollinators.
Examples include Acetamiprid and Thiacloprid, which are among the least toxic to bees, and natural repellents like garlic and kaolin clay, which deter pests without harming bees.
Why are bee-safe insecticides important? Because pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and other animals provide vital but often overlooked ecosystem services.
According to the USDA, bees alone pollinate 1/3 of our food supply. As the USDA states, “Pollinators travel from plant to plant, transferring pollen grains from the male part of the flower to the female part of the other flowers. This fertilization process leads to the production of seeds and fruit.”
While managed honeybee hives can be trucked around the country to pollinate many large crops, the bulk of global pollination is done by wild pollinators.
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What Are Bee-Safe Insecticides?
Unfortunately, insecticides have been strongly implicated in declining wild bees and other pollinators worldwide.
Broad-spectrum insecticides are indiscriminately toxic to any insects they contact, including pollinators like bees that provide tremendous economic and food security benefits.
As environmentally-conscious gardeners, we must protect pollinator health while controlling pests.
This article will educate home gardeners on bee-safe insecticide options, proper usage guidelines, and other ways to protect bees while managing pests.
Target pests, not bees
Bee-safe insecticides selectively target problem insect pests while being non-toxic to bees.
Unlike broad-spectrum insecticides that indiscriminately kill a wide range of insects, bee-safe products only affect the intended pest insects and spare pollinators like honeybees.
Related: 23 Best Plants and Flowers for Attracting Bees in Your Garden
This selective toxicity allows gardeners to eliminate pests without decimating vital bee populations pollinating our crops and wild plants.
Designed to be low-risk
Insecticides considered bee-safe are formulated to pose minimal risk to honeybees and other pollinators.
Most contain natural active ingredients derived from plants, bacteria, or minerals that break down quickly in the environment.
Bee-safe products are designed to be fast-acting and non-systemic, meaning they stay where applied on the surface of plants as opposed to being taken up internally.
This localized mode of action and low residual toxicity make them ideal for targeting pests in and around blooming plants while minimizing harm to visiting pollinators.
Gardeners can implement an integrated pest management approach that protects bees using selective, bee-safe insecticides.
Why Bee-Safe Insecticides Are Important
Preserve pollinators
Bees are vital for pollinating many of the food crops and wild plants we depend on.
According to the University of Georgia Bee Program, insecticide exposure can sicken, weaken, or kill bees, threatening the essential pollination services they provide.
Follow best practices
Using bee-safe insect control products aligns with responsible pest management recommendations from university extension services and beekeeper associations.
Related: How to Keep Bears Out of Hives: Best New Strategies for 2024
The Ohio State University notes that choosing targeted, bee-safe insecticides is part of following best practices to protect pollinators.
Avoid ecological damage
Protecting bees from harmful insecticides helps guard against large-scale ecological disruption, since bees are a keystone species that many other organisms rely on.
According to PerfectBee, bees play an integral role in our environment, so protecting them from toxins avoids extensive ecosystem damage.
Top Bee-Safe Insecticide Options
Here’s a deeper dive into some recommended products, where you can obtain them, and pro tips for their use.
Horticultural oils
These oils are a go-to for controlling soft-bodied pests without leaving harmful residues. BONIDE® All Seasons Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil is an example that can be used throughout the year for pest control without harming bees.
Horticultural oils work by smothering soft-bodied insects like mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale. The oil coats the insect, blocking its ability to breathe.
Related: How to Design and Build a Bee-Friendly Garden: Essential Tips
Oils have very low toxicity to bees and are most beneficial to insects. When applied correctly, they pose minimal risk during dormant/delay dormant periods. Oils are effective, inexpensive, and leave no chemical residues.
Insecticidal soaps
Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap with Seaweed Extract and Natria Insecticidal Soap are top picks for their effectiveness against a variety of pests and safety for bees. When applied properly, these products work on contact, so they don’t pose a risk to bees.
Insecticidal soaps disrupt insect cellular membranes on contact, causing cells to rupture.
Soaps only affect insects with soft exoskeletons and do not harm mature bees or other beneficials. They work quickly but have minimal residual effects.
Related: Why is the Western Honeybee Valuable? Exploring Its Ecological and Economic Impact
Insecticidal soaps are safer for bees than conventional insecticides and are OMRI-certified for organic use.
Microbial insecticides
Products like Monterey Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and Spinosad target specific pests without impacting non-target insects, making them ideal for integrated pest management where bee safety is a priority.
Microbial insecticides contain bacteria, fungi, or viruses that are selectively toxic to certain insects but harmless to bees.
For example, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a naturally occurring soil bacteria that controls caterpillars without harming bees.
Spinosad is another microbial insecticide derived from the fermentation of a soil organism. It’s highly effective on various pests while having little to no impact on bees.
Botanical insecticides
Neem oil, derived from the Azadirachta indica tree, is renowned for its pest-repellent qualities and safety towards bees. BONIDE® Neem Oil is an example that can be used to manage pests while being gentle on beneficial insects.
Botanical insecticides are naturally derived from certain plants. Pyrethrum and neem oil are examples that target insect pests while having relatively low toxicity to bees, especially compared to synthetic insecticides.
Related: How to Get Rid of Skunks Raiding Beehives: Everything You Need to Know
The natural compounds break down quickly, reducing the risk to bees.
Botanicals are OMRI-approved for organic use and ideal when only short-term pest control is needed.
Where to Purchase & Pro Tips
These products are available at various retailers, both in-store and online. You can find them at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and ARBICO Organics.
ARBICO Organics, in particular, offers a wide range of bee-safe pest control solutions, including OMRI-listed products for organic gardening.
Pro Tips:
- Always read and follow the label instructions to ensure you’re using the products safely and effectively.
- Apply during times when bees are less active, such as early morning or late evening.
- Consider the pest problem and choose a product that targets those pests without broad-spectrum impact.
Comprehensive table of bee-safe insecticides:
| Product Name | Type | Where to Buy | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| BONIDE® All Seasons Horticultural Oil | Horticultural Oil | ARBICO Organics, Amazon | Year-round use, safe for bees |
| Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap | Insecticidal Soap | Home Depot, Amazon | Effective on contact, minimal residue |
| Natria Insecticidal Soap | Insecticidal Soap | Home Depot | Fast-acting, easy to use |
| Monterey Bt | Microbial Insecticide | ARBICO Organics | Targets caterpillars, safe for bees |
| Spinosad | Microbial Insecticide | ARBICO Organics | Broad pest target, minimal bee impact |
| BONIDE® Neem Oil | Botanical Insecticide | ARBICO Organics, Amazon | Natural, breaks down quickly |
Choosing the Right Bee-Safe Insecticide
The first step in choosing a bee-safe insecticide is to correctly identify the pest insect you need to control so you can select a product designed for that pest.
This allows you to use a selective insecticide targeted to the problem insect rather than a broad-spectrum product that could harm bees.
Carefully read the entire product label before use and ensure it is clearly marked as non-toxic or safe for bees. The label will also specify the proper application method, whether as a foliar spray, soil drench, tree injection, etc.
Consider how and where you need to apply the insecticide when selecting products. Finally, timing is crucial when using insecticides around bees.
Applications should be made in the early morning or evening when bees are inactive inside the hive and never during bloom when bees are actively foraging.
This careful approach allows you to control pests while minimizing risk to pollinators.
Using Insecticides Safely Around Bees
Using insecticides around bees requires thoughtful consideration and careful handling to protect these crucial pollinators.
Bees play a vital role in pollinating many crops and wild plants. Still, they are vulnerable to the harmful effects of insecticides.
By adopting specific strategies, gardeners can mitigate these risks and contribute to the health and longevity of bee populations.
Here are several key precautions gardeners should take when using insecticides around bees to minimize harm:
Avoid flowering plants
To safeguard bees, it’s essential to prevent their exposure to toxic chemicals. One effective method is to remove or cover all flowers on plants before applying insecticides.
This strategy is crucial because bees are attracted to flowers, searching for nectar and pollen.
When flowers are treated with insecticides, bees can collect contaminated pollen and nectar, which they then bring back to the hive, potentially poisoning the colony.
Studies have shown that even low levels of exposure to certain insecticides can have sub-lethal effects on bees, affecting their ability to forage, navigate, and reproduce.
By avoiding the application of insecticides on flowering plants, gardeners can significantly reduce the risk of harming bees.
Spray when bees aren’t active
Timing the application of insecticides is another critical factor in protecting bee populations.
Bees are most active during the day, especially midday when temperatures are warmer.
Therefore, applying insecticides in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cooler, and bees are less likely to be foraging, can minimize the risk of exposure.
This practice is supported by research indicating that bees have specific foraging patterns and are more likely to be in the hive during these times.
Furthermore, spraying during these cooler parts of the day can also improve the efficacy of some insecticides, as evaporation rates are lower, allowing the chemicals to adhere better to plant surfaces.
Never spray directly on bees
Direct contact with insecticides immediately harms bees, leading to death or severe health issues.
It’s crucial to inspect plants carefully for the presence of bees before spraying and to avoid application when bees are observed on or near the target plants.
Accidental spraying of bees not only affects the individuals directly exposed but can also impact the broader colony’s health if the contaminated bees return to the hive.
The principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emphasizes the importance of targeted pesticide application, recommending the use of insecticides only as a last resort and in a manner that minimizes non-target exposure.
Limit residual toxicity
The choice of insecticide is pivotal in reducing harm to bees. Insecticides vary widely in their toxicity and persistence in the environment.
Products that break down quickly and have a shorter residual activity are less likely to harm bees than long-lasting systemic insecticides, which are absorbed by plants and can contaminate pollen and nectar for extended periods.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies insecticides based on their residual toxicity. It provides guidelines for selecting products that pose the least risk to pollinators.
Gardeners are encouraged to choose insecticides with minimal residual toxicity and to apply them judiciously, following label directions to minimize environmental impact.
Insecticides to Avoid Around Bees
Neonicotinoids (Imidacloprid, Clothianidin, Thiamethoxam)
Neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides that become incorporated into all parts of the plant, including the nectar and pollen, which bees collect and consume.
These chemicals act like endocrine-disrupting chemicals in bees, causing acute and chronic toxic effects.
Studies have shown that exposure to neonicotinoids, including clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, can result in biphasic dose-response curves in bumble bees, indicative of endocrine-disrupting chemical behavior.
This means that these substances can be highly toxic even at very low concentrations, leading to significant bee mortality over time.
The effects observed include acute early-onset neurological symptoms such as hyperactivity, trembling, excessive grooming, uncontrolled proboscis extension, and delayed-onset symptoms like intermittent hyperactivity and abnormal stance.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has highlighted the unacceptably high risk these substances pose to bees, leading to restrictions or bans on their use within the European Union due to their long-lasting presence in the environment and their systemic nature.
Pyrethroids (Permethrin, Cyfluthrin)
Pyrethroids, including permethrin and cyfluthrin, are synthetic chemical insecticides that mimic the natural insecticidal properties of the pyrethrum plant.
While effective against many insect pests, pyrethroids have prolonged residual activity and can repel and irritate bees.
These substances can remain active on plant surfaces for extended periods, posing a risk to bees that come into contact with treated areas long after application.
The persistent nature of pyrethroids means that bees can be exposed to lethal and sub-lethal doses through contact with residues on plants, which can affect their nervous system, leading to paralysis or death.
Organophosphates and Carbamates (Malathion, Carbaryl, Diazinon)
Organophosphates and carbamates, such as malathion, carbaryl, and diazinon, are known for their high acute toxicity to bees.
These chemicals inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
In bees, exposure to these insecticides can lead to immediate toxic effects, including convulsions, paralysis, and death.
Due to their mode of action and the rapid onset of symptoms following exposure, organophosphates, and carbamates pose a significant risk to bee populations, mainly when applied during active foraging times or on crops that bees are known to visit.
Broad-spectrum Products
Broad-spectrum insecticides are designed to kill a wide range of insect pests but often lack specificity, meaning they can also harm beneficial insects like bees.
These products may contain active ingredients from the categories above (neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, organophosphates, and carbamates) and are considered overkill for targeted pest control.
Their indiscriminate nature can lead to significant bee mortality, disrupting pollination services and leading to broader ecological impacts.
When using insecticides, it’s crucial to select products with minimal non-target effects and apply them to minimize exposure to pollinators.
The following table outlines how insecticides harm bees, including direct contact toxicity, contamination of pollen and nectar, repellency and irritation, and loss of forage:
| Aspect | Description | Details and Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Contact Toxicity | Bees are highly susceptible to pesticides through direct contact, which can be lethal even in small quantities. | Dermal exposure, particularly through the thorax and wings, is a significant route of pesticide intake for foraging bees. Symptoms of poisoning include a large number of dead or dying bees at the hive entrance, aggressive behavior, paralysis, and abnormal supercedure of queens. |
| Contaminated Pollen/Nectar | Systemic insecticides are absorbed by plants and can contaminate pollen and nectar, which bees ingest while foraging. | This exposure can lead to various abnormalities such as behavioral changes and degradation of learning ability. Insecticide residues on plants and in nectar can cause significant harm, with some systemic insecticides known to be excreted in hazardous amounts. |
| Repellency and Irritation | Some insecticides deter bees from foraging on treated plants, leading to sublethal effects that impair colony health over time. | The presence of pesticides can make bees more aggressive or agitated. When a hive containing pesticide-affected bees is opened, bees may fly out aggressively, indicating irritation and repellency effects of the pesticides. |
| Loss of Forage | Herbicides reduce the availability of flowering plants bees depend on, indirectly harming bee nutrition. | While not directly related to insecticide exposure, the loss of forage due to herbicide use can significantly impact bee populations by reducing the availability of nutritious pollen and nectar, critical for bee health and colony strength. |
Bee-Friendly Gardening Practices
Provide forage
Bees need a diversity of flowering plants to provide nectar and pollen. By planting native flowers, herbs, trees, and shrubs, gardeners can nourish bees with season-long blooms.
Related: 8 Garden Bee Species You Want to See in Your Yard
Ensuring continuous flowering throughout spring, summer, and fall provides bees with a steady food source in your garden.
Common bee-friendly plants include lavender, sunflowers, asters, milkweed, catmint, cosmos, and goldenrod.
Even planting flowering cover crops like clover or alfalfa provides bees with nutritious forage.
Offer nest sites
While honey bees live in hives, around 70% of native bee species nest in holes, so offering nest sites is key.
Leave dead trees, stumps, and branches for bees to burrow into. You can also install bamboo tubes, drilled wood blocks, or bundles of hollow stems for solitary bees to nest in.
Ground-nesting bees appreciate sunny, bare patches of soil or sand piles.
Avoid chemicals
Fewer pesticides and herbicides reduce bees’ exposure to toxic chemicals. Prioritize non-chemical solutions like hosing aphids off plants, hand-picking pests, using row covers, or tolerating minor damage.
Only use bee-safe insecticides like horticultural oils as a last resort, and follow all precautions on the label.
Also, refrain from using weedkillers, which destroy flowering weeds bees rely on.
Welcome weeds
Letting clover, dandelions, violets and other weeds flower provides pollen and nectar when cultivated plants aren’t blooming.
Bees mainly depend on early spring blooms like dandelions to feed young brood after winter. Leave some areas unmulched for bees to access these important food sources.
A weed-free yard is not bee-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bee-Safe Insecticides
What is the most bee-friendly insecticide?
Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps are very safe for bees when used correctly. Microbial insecticides like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and spinosad also have low bee toxicity.
Can I use insecticides that aren’t labeled bee-safe?
You can use insecticides that are not labeled bee-safe, but great care must be taken. Never spray them directly on bees or plants in bloom. Spray only early mornings or at night when bees are inactive.
How long do bee-safe insecticides last?
Most bee-safe insecticides like oils, soaps, and botanicals break down within hours to days. This low residual toxicity makes them ideal around bees but may require more frequent applications.
Are organic insecticides safe for bees?
Most organic approved insecticides are bee-safe, but a few permitted substances, like pyrethrins, are moderately or highly toxic to bees. Always check the label and research bee toxicity before using any insecticide.
What precautions reduce bee exposure?
Avoid spraying flowering plants; spray early morning or at night; don’t spray in windy conditions; use the lowest effective dosage. And rinse off plants after application.
Can systemic insecticides hurt bees?
Yes, systemic insecticides are taken up by plants and end up in nectar and pollen, where bees can be exposed. Neonicotinoids and other systemic chemicals pose a high risk to bees.
Do natural pesticides harm bees?
Most natural insecticides derived from plants, bacteria, or minerals are bee-safe. However, a few botanical insecticides, like pyrethrum, can be toxic to bees, so check labels and research thoroughly before using.
What insecticides should beekeepers avoid?
Beekeepers should avoid any products containing neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamates, or broad-spectrum insecticides around hives and bee forage areas.
How else can gardeners help bees?
Providing bee forage, nest sites, clean water, reduced mowing/pesticide use, and tolerance of weeds/dandelions greatly benefit bees. Even small changes make a difference!
What is the most bee-friendly insecticide?
Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps are very safe for bees when used correctly. Organocide Bee Safe 3-in-1 Garden Spray is a bee-friendly pesticide proven to not harm bees through years of use and lab studies. Microbial insecticides like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and spinosad also have low bee toxicity.
Can I use insecticides that aren’t labeled bee-safe?
You can use insecticides that are not labeled bee-safe, but great care must be taken. Never spray them directly on bees or plants in bloom. Spray only early mornings or at night when bees are inactive.
How long do bee-safe insecticides last?
According to the Organic Labs website, most bee-safe insecticides like oils, soaps, and botanicals break down within hours to days. This low residual toxicity makes them ideal around bees but may require more frequent applications.
Are organic insecticides safe for bees?
Most organic approved insecticides are bee-safe, but a few permitted substances, like pyrethrins, are moderately or highly toxic to bees. Always check the label and research bee toxicity before using any insecticide.
What precautions reduce bee exposure?
Avoid spraying flowering plants, spray early morning or at night, don’t spray in windy conditions, use the lowest effective dosage, and rinse off plants after application according to the Organic Labs recommendations.
What insecticides should beekeepers avoid?
Beekeepers should avoid any products containing neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamates, or broad-spectrum insecticides around hives and bee forage areas.