What is a common precautionary measure to reduce the chances of bee poisoning from pesticides?

Using dust formulations whenever possible is a recommended precautionary measure to reduce the likelihood of bee poisoning from pesticides because dusts tend to settle on the ground and do not create a cloud of spray that can drift and contaminate flowers that bees visit. Liquid formulations, on the other hand, can easily drift and may be more likely to come into contact with pollinators during or shortly after application.

Choosing to apply pesticides at peak bee activity would increase the risk of exposure for the bees, making it counterproductive to apply a precautionary measure. Similarly, increasing application rates can also enhance the potential for harm by applying more pesticide than necessary and increasing environmental exposure. Thus, using dust formulations when appropriate helps to minimize the risk, protecting both the bees and the surrounding ecosystem.