How to report a suspected pesticide-related bee kill
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Pesticide Program, responds to all allegations of bee kills or die-offs alleged to be pesticide related.
Pesticide investigators may
- Collect physical evidence (such as dead bees or treated vegetation)
- Collect and review pesticide application records
- Interview beekeepers and pesticide applicators
ODA often works with Oregon State University (OSU) and beekeepers to identify whether bee kills or die-offs are pesticide related, or the result of poor nutrition, parasites, disease, or other factors. In certain instances, dead bees are analyzed by the ODA laboratory for pesticide residues.
During the investigation, ODA uses standard investigative protocol as well as US EPA Guidance on responding to bee-related incidents. The investigative findings are provided to the US EPA on a quarterly basis.
When to contact ODA
Alleged pesticide-related incidents must be reported in a timely manner. This is because pesticide residues break down over time, bee carcasses degrade, crops are harvested, memories fade, or pesticide application information may not be available.
How to contact ODA
Individuals may file a complaint via
You also can call 211 to report a bee-related incident 24 hours a day. Information provided will be directed to the Pesticide Program for follow up.
The Oregon Bee Project
A home for bee friendly resources and tools, as well the Oregon Bee Atlas, and information about flagship farms, Oregon Innovators, and Pollinator Week 2018.
Pesticide advisory about pollinators
6/13/19
Pollinators and pesticide labels
Pollinators are extremely important to Oregon's agricultural community, pollinating many crops. Oregon is proactive in protecting bees and other pollinators and currently requires specific label language prohibiting the use of the neonicotinoid pesticides, dinotefuran and imidacloprid, on linden, basswood and Tilia species trees.
At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has required special label restrictions to neonicotinoid pesticides in order to protect pollinators. The active ingredients that will have special label language are as follows:
- Clothianidin
- Dinotefuran
- Imidacloprid
- Thiamethoxam
Brochures
Videos
Other resources
Alternatives to Neonicotinoid Insecticides (except for acetamiprid) for Use on Landscape OrnamentalsList of insecticides compiled in order to provide licensed applicators with options for the control of aphids in ornamental trees. Alternatives to Neonicotinoid insecticides
EPA: Information on Residue Toxicity Time for Growers and BeekeepersEPA data to use as a means of gauging the relative lengths of time that pesticide products may remain toxic to bees. Residue toxicity time and bees
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)NPIC provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions about pesticides and their use. NPIC is a cooperative agreement between Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. National Pesticide Information Center website
Pesticide products containing clothianidin and thiamethoxam registered in OregonPesticide products containing clothianidin and thiamethoxam registered in Oregon labeled for use on ornamentals and trees grown in landscapes and/or nurseries. Use on linden/tilia spp. is prohibited. Pesticide products in Oregon containing clothianidin and thiamethoxam
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