Which practice helps protect pollinators during pesticide application?

• A. Use drift reduction measures and apply outside flowering when possible.
• B. Apply during bloom to ensure faster uptake.
• C. Increase spray volume near pollinators.
• D. Remove buffer zones around fields with pollinators.

Answer: (A)

Protecting pollinators comes down to reducing their exposure to pesticides. The most protective approach combines drift control with timing that avoids flowers when bees are foraging. Using drift reduction measures—like proper nozzle selection, calibrated pressure, drift-reducing droplet sizes, and avoiding application in wind or near sensitive areas—limits where the spray goes. Applying outside flowering further minimizes the chance that bees encounter treated blooms, since there are fewer foraging flowers available during those times.

Other approaches either raise risk or do not protect pollinators. Applying during bloom increases bees’ contact with treated flowers. Increasing spray volume near pollinators can spread more pesticide into the air and onto nearby surfaces, potentially increasing exposure. Removing buffer zones eliminates a protective margin that helps keep drift away from pollinator habitats. So combining drift reduction with non-flowering timing best protects pollinators.