Insect and Mite Control on Woody Ornamentals and Herbaceous Perennials

Bulletin 504

Honey Bee Protection

Honey bees are important pollinators of plants and every effort possible should be made to reduce bee losses from pesticide poisoning. Do not apply pesticides during the bloom period when bees are likely to be most active on the plants.

Precautions for Avoiding Plant Injury

1. Do not apply liquid concentrates when the temperature is above 85°F (30°C). [Do not apply any spray when the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).] Wettable powder formulations are less likely to cause injury.
2. Do not apply dormant oil sprays if the temperature is below 40°F (4°C) or where there is danger of the temperature falling much below this in the 24-hour period.
3. Do not apply horticultural, summer oils when the temperature is 80°F (27°C) or above and high humidity reduces the chance of the spray drying within an hour after the application.
4. Use only the amounts of insecticide/miticide indicated on the current pesticide label.
5. Continuous agitation of the spray tank is necessary to prevent spray materials from settling out. Recycle contents of long spray hoses into the spray tank if enough time has elapsed between sprayings for the mix to separate.
6. Clean out sprayer after use.
7. Never use a sprayer that has contained a weed killer (herbicide) to perform other pest control activities.

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