Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1099801
13 Beekeepers should also report pesticide treatments applied to the hives and pertinent details related to the health of the bees leading up to the incident. Immediately freezing at least two ounces of adult bees, brood, pollen, honey, nectar or wax in labeled, clean containers will preserve the evidence of an incident and may be helpful if the incident warrants lab analysis. Do not disturb the hives or site when an investigation is pending. ADDRESSING SUSPECTED PESTICIDE-RELATED HONEY BEE LOSSES It is in the best interest of beekeepers and growers to immediately report suspected pesticide-related bee incidents to the local county agricultural commissioner's office. POSSIBLE SIGNS OF A PESTICIDE- RELATED INCIDENT INCLUDE: Excessive numbers of dead and dying adult honey bees in front of hives. Dead brood at the hive entrance and dead newly emerged workers (they appear fuzzy). Lack of foraging bees on a normally attractive blooming crop. Bees that are lethargic (i.e., dazed, unconscious) or immobile, and are unable to leave flowers. Bees that are demonstrating jerky, wobbly or rapid movements; spinning on their backs; or are excessively grooming. Disorientation and reduced efficiency of foraging bees. Bees that are unable to fly and are crawling slowly, as if chilled. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? In reporting a suspected incident to the local county agricultural commissioner's office, include notes describing the previous health of the colony, prevailing wind, EPA registration number from the suspected pesticide label, name of the suspected pesticide and how the bees may have been exposed to the pesticide. Photos or videos of the incident can also be included.